Keiper Canada Limited and the London Economic Development Corporation are pleased to announce that Keiper Canada, a division of Keiper GmbH and Company of Germany, will be building a $100 million plant in London.
The plant, which will employ approximately 300 workers in the early stages, and assemble approximately 2.8 million seating units annually for DaimlerChrysler vehicles. The total number of employees could reach 600, depending on the securing of new contracts. The new plant will be located on a site on River Road in east London, near Airport Road. The site is currently owned by the City of London.
LEDC has been working with Keiper for months and the agreement was finalized yesterday. Keiper officials will be returning to Germany this afternoon.
"Infrastructure, a skilled workforce and training capacity were all essential ingredients in our choice," said Theo Wolf, Director of Production for Keiper. "LEDC and the City of London made a strong case that London is the place to invest."
LEDC President and CEO John Kime said that today's announcement is a major boost for the City of London. "This is a shot in the arm for our manufacturing and automotive sectors and may help us to attract other parts manufacturers in the future. This success would not have been possible without the full support of Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco, City Council and the management team at the City of London."
Keiper GmbH has operations in eight countries around the world. The London plant will be the first in Canada. Building of the new facility will get under way early in 2001 with full production expected in 2002.
For further information call:
John Kime (519) 661-4545
London Economic Development Corporation
Keiper contact
Mr. Theo Wolf
