The Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is planning to cut 200 jobs at its Oakville, Ontario assembly plant this September, with further job losses possible in early 2020.
In a statement, the company said the changes are the result of a "long-standing practice of matching production with consumer demand." Ford added that it is eliminating one shift in paint, bringing that area of the plant down to two shifts, resulting in the loss of 200 positions.
The cuts at Ford are the latest blow to the automotive production sector in Ontario, coming months after the sudden announcement that General Motors will stop making cars in Oshawa, Ontario, which sent shock waves through the industry.
In a written statement, the Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli said the province was "disappointed to learn of Ford's decision." The statement added that the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has been in contact with Ford and is offering support to impacted workers.
