Magna investing $1.5M in Ontario closures plant, adding 75 jobs

Canadian auto parts supplier Magna International Inc. is investing $1.5 million and adding 75 jobs at a plant north of Toronto as part of an expansion of its closures division.

Aurora, Ont.-based Magna said the expanded Dortec plant in Newmarket, Ont. will begin producing electronic latching systems and modules for the automotive industry as demand for “increased electronic functionality in automobiles” grows.

Expanded production is expected to include electronic control modules for power closure and roof systems, as well as an innovative electronic latching product. This electronic side-door latch will require no cables, rods or moving handles in the door. The benefits will include significant weight savings and a reduced number of components. The system can be used in any type of passenger car or light truck, according to the company, and will provide “significant weight savings.”

Combined with the elimination of lock rods, release cables and handles, the latch will provide an lower-cost door latching system to global automakers.

“We expect electronic closure and latching technologies to be a game-changer for the industry over the next five years and they will eventually become the future mainstream design,” Magna Closures president Frank Seguin said in a statement. “With our expansion at Dortec we are well-positioned to capitalize on this as it occurs.”

Production will start later this year for customers in North America, Europe, and Asia.