City of Windsor Wins EDCO Award of Excellence for Business Attraction and Retention

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The City of Windsor has been awarded the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Award of Excellence in the Business Attraction & Retention – Urban category at the EDCO President’s Dinner during the 2026 Annual EDCO Conference.

The EDCO Awards of Excellence celebrate the most impactful and innovative economic development initiatives across Ontario. Windsor’s win recognizes the City’s leadership, collaboration, and execution in delivering one of the province’s most significant advanced manufacturing investments: Minth Group’s $300 million electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing campus, which is bringing 1,099 new jobs to the community.

This award highlights Windsor’s successful 18-month, all-hands “Team Windsor” approach, which brought together City departments, Invest WindsorEssex, Invest Ontario, the Province of Ontario, and industry partners to provide a seamless, one-window investment experience that positioned Windsor as Minth’s choice for its first Canadian manufacturing operation.

Project Highlights and Outcomes:

  • Development of a one-million-square-foot EV-focused manufacturing campus
  • Activation and transformation of 54 acres of airport lands for advanced industrial use
  • Announcement of a second facility through a joint venture with AISIN Corporation
  • Strengthening Windsor’s position as a national leader in energy and advanced manufacturing
  • Acceleration of regional supply chain growth tied to Ontario’s energy ecosystem

Guided by the strategic direction of the Mayor and Council, this project is an example of Windsor’s foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy and demonstrates how coordinated leadership, speed of delivery, and strong partnerships can produce transformative economic outcomes.

The City of Windsor extends its sincere appreciation to EDCO for this recognition, and to its partners — including Invest WindsorEssex, the Province of Ontario, Minth Group, City Council, and the broader community — whose collective efforts made this achievement possible.

Windsor continues to build momentum as a destination for global investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. To learn more about Windsor’s investment environment and competitive advantages, visit DiscoverWindsor.ca.

Quotes:

"This prestigious award reflects what is possible when strong leadership, trusted partnerships, and a shared vision come together. I am proud of our City team, Council, Invest WindsorEssex, the Province of Ontario, and Minth Group for working collaboratively to deliver a project that strengthens Windsor’s economy and positions our community for long-term growth and development. We are Investing Responsibly and focusing on the long game as we continue to strengthen our future. This recognition reinforces that Windsor is open for business and ready to compete on the global stage.”
– Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens

“This recognition is a proud moment for our region and validates the importance of partnerships, shared commitment, and unity. Invest WindsorEssex was honoured to work alongside the City of Windsor and Invest Ontario together with the Province of Ontario as part of the ‘Team Windsor’ approach that helped secure Minth Group’s first Canadian investment. At a time of global trade uncertainty, this project demonstrated our collective ability to provide speed, certainty, and a seamless experience for investors. The Minth investment not only strengthens Windsor’s position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing, it reinforces our region’s reputation as a trusted, competitive destination for global investment.”
– Gordon Orr, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Invest WindsorEssex

“Windsor demonstrated exactly the kind of partnership and leadership we look for when making major investment decisions. The City’s coordinated approach, responsiveness, and commitment to delivery gave us confidence to establish our first Canadian manufacturing campus here. We’re proud to be part of this award-winning collaboration and look forward to growing together.” 
– Jeremy Coulter, Managing Director North America Headquarters, Minth Group

“This award belongs to the entire Team Windsor partnership. From City staff and Council to Invest WindsorEssex, the Province of Ontario, and our private-sector partners, this project shows what can be achieved through collaboration, speed, and shared purpose. We’re grateful for the recognition and remain focused on delivering strong economic outcomes for our community.” 
– Jelena Payne, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)/Commissioner of Economic Development, City of Windsor

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