Magna Shutting Down London Auto Parts Plant, Cutting 50 jobs

What’s Going on at Qualtech in London?

Magna International is shutting down its Qualtech Seating Systems plant in London, Ontario — eliminating nearly 50 jobs — following months of halted production at the CAMI Ingersoll auto assembly plant, according to Unifor Local 2009AP and company officials. Numerous non-unionized employees impacted by the closure are contacting Samfiru Tumarkin LLP for legal advice on their termination and severance pay.

• The plant, which makes seat assemblies and foam for GM’s Brightdrop vans, will close permanently on October 10, 2025, with a phased wind-down over the next two months.
• Tracey Fuerst, VP of corporate communications at Magna, cited “fluctuating industry dynamics” as a reason for the decision, adding the company is committed to a “smooth transition” for affected staff.
• The plant is located on Commerce Road, near Highbury Avenue and Highway 401.

Union Reaction

Unifor Local 2009AP President Jimmy D’Agostino told CBC News the closure came as a shock:

• “It’s devastating for our members… That work should stay in Ontario and should stay in Canada.”
• At least 33 unionized workers are affected, though the total headcount is close to 49, according to Unifor.
• D’Agostino said workers had previously been assured the plant would remain open.
• He criticized the government’s lack of support for the EV transition: “This EV program [is] not working out well in Canada… We want the best for our members… and we think the government should intervene.”

D’Agostino warned of the broader threat to Canadian auto jobs amid ongoing trade tensions and American protectionism:

• “He’s not just threatening our livelihood… He’s threatened our country,” he said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Background: CAMI shutdown and Brightdrop sales

The closure ties directly to halted operations at CAMI Ingersoll, where Brightdrop electric vans were being produced:

• CAMI has been shut down since May 2025, leading to hundreds of layoffs.
• Only 427 Brightdrop vans were sold in Canada in 2024, and 1,529 in the U.S.
• GM is reportedly planning a single-shift restart in October, resulting in 500 indefinite layoffs at CAMI, according to Unifor.
• The shift cut severely reduced the need for seat assembly production from suppliers like Qualtech.

Next Steps for Qualtech Staff in London

If you lose your job with Qualtech (Magna) in London, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees are entitled to severance pay in Ontario. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly.

The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work. Your rights don’t change when your employer closes an office or shuts down entirely.

📺 WATCH: Everything Non-Unionized Employees Need to Know About Severance Pay

Key Severance Facts

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Ontario Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to 2 years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Ontario employment laws.

Lost Your Job at Qualtech and Magna? Contact Us

If you’ve lost your job at Magna-owned Qualtech for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our London employment lawyers working in Ontario have helped thousands of non-unionized employees get justice and full severance packages.

📞 Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.