CenterLine’s new facility to create more jobs
Company says it’s committed to the area, plans to build newly developed products
On the heels of celebrating 60 years in business, LaSalle’s CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. is preparing to expand.
The new space will bring more skilled trade and administrative jobs to the area and increase the company’s footprint by approximately 85,000 square feet.
“It’s a very exciting time for us,” said Marc Levesque, director of corporate marketing. “We’ve had quite a bit of growth in the last 10 years with a lot of new product introductions and expansions.
“We’ve expanded our sales reach internationally (with offices in Mexico, Brazil, Germany, China and India),” he said. “The bulk of the manufacturing is all done in this area. We’re committed to the area. We’re re-investing quite a bit.”
CenterLine was founded by Donald Beneteau in 1957 as a two-man tool and die shop on Mercer Street in Windsor. Son Michael Beneteau is now CEO.
Levesque said the current 385,000-square-foot, three-facility complex, located on Morton Drive, employs more than 700 full-time workers in addition to a fluctuating number of contractors.
He couldn’t say how many new jobs will be added or how much the company is investing in the new facility but it will be used to manufacture the recently developed products.
“We definitely will be hiring more employees. And it’s definitely going to be skilled trades – electrical and machinists,” he said.
The tool and die company designs and builds a variety of metal-joining and forming products, manufactures automated machinery and markets welding equipment. CenterLine manufactures supplies and services automotive, mass transit, aerospace and defence industries.
“It’s fantastic news for the town,” Mayor Ken Antaya said. “I think they are our highest employer, in terms of number of employees.
“They are a terrific group and a success story,” he added.
Construction on the new facility is expected to begin this fall with a completion date of April or May.
It’s a very exciting time for us. We’ve had quite a bit of growth in the last 10 years.