Magna contributing $800,000 toward supply chain centre at Conestoga

KITCHENER — Automotive industry supplier Magna International is investing $800,000 toward the development of a new supply chain research and training centre at Conestoga College.

The Aurora-based company will invest the money over the next four years to support the Magna Centre for Supply Chain Excellence.

Census data shows that more than 878,000 Canadian workers are employed in supply chain roles ranging from inventory control and purchasing to transportation, logistics and warehousing. Those statistics don’t include truck drivers.

The sector is said to be responsible for planning, co-ordinating and moving more than $1

trillion in goods every year.

And, according to the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council, there’s a pressing need for more than 10,000 supply chain positions to be filled every year for the next five years due to retirements, turnover and newlycreated jobs.

The new applied research, education and training centre will work with government and industry partners in addressing the shortage.

With 328 manufacturing facilities in 29 countries, Magna itself employs more than 163,000 people.

The company has been associated with Conestoga for more than three decades, chief human resource officer Marc Neeb noted in a news release.

“Together we are working to strengthen the college’s educational programs, help bring in partners for applied research, and ultimately provide employment opportunities for students and graduates.”

College president John Tibbits said he’s grateful for Magna’s support.

“The contributions of our industry partners play an essential role in Conestoga’s efforts to foster innovation, address industry needs, prepare students for successful careers, and support economic growth across our dynamic region,” he said in the news release.