Stellantis Windsor Plant Restores Third Shift in 2026

In early 2026, Stellantis will restore a third shift at its Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, bringing back as many as 1,000 jobs. The move signals a major rebound for one of North America’s most historic auto plants and comes as demand builds for both minivans and muscle cars built in Windsor.

A Return to Three Shifts – 

For decades, Windsor Assembly was a three-shift operation. That ended in July 2020, when Stellantis (then FCA) eliminated the third shift, cutting roughly 1,500 positions. Now, the automaker is preparing to flip the lights back on for overnight crews.

Union officials with Unifor Local 444 say it will take about 1,000 workers to run the third shift. That means new hires, callbacks for laid-off workers, and a boost for the local economy.

“This is good news for the auto industry. It’s good news for Windsor. It’s good news for our community,” said Unifor Local 444 President James Stewart. He called the move “a breath of fresh air” after years of uncertainty.

Why the Jobs Are Coming Back –

Industry experts say Windsor is benefiting from pent-up demand. Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions pointed out that sales of the Chrysler Pacifica remain strong even as crossovers dominate the market. The Pacifica continues to lead its segment in North America, thanks in part to its plug-in hybrid option and unique features like Stow ’n Go seating.

At the same time, Windsor has added a new product: the Dodge Charger Daytona. Production of the Charger, riding on Stellantis’ flexible STLA Large platform, began in late 2024. While Stellantis has delayed entry-level Charger Daytona R/T models, it has doubled down on gas-powered versions for 2026, a move analysts say will help keep sales strong.

Fiorani noted that the EV market hasn’t matured as quickly as many automakers expected. With electric vehicles making up only 9–10% of U.S. sales, Stellantis is playing it safe by ensuring Windsor can deliver both gas-powered and electrified vehicles.

Plant Transformation and Investments –

The Windsor Assembly Plant isn’t just adding a shift—it’s also been retooled for the future. Back in 2022, Stellantis announced a $3.6 billion CAD ($2.8 billion USD) investment to modernize Windsor and Brampton Assembly Plants. The upgrades allow Windsor to build multiple types of vehicles—gas, hybrid, and electric—on the same line.

This flexibility is key. Stellantis can adjust production based on demand, whether customers want Pacifica hybrids, all-wheel-drive (AWD) minivans, or the new Charger. The company also confirmed Windsor’s role as a launch site for its STLA Large architecture, which will underpin several upcoming models.

Windsor’s Place in Auto History – 

Windsor Assembly has been part of Chrysler’s story since 1928. Over the years, it’s built everything from Plymouth sedans to DeSoto convertibles to Dodge Chargers. Since 1983, the plant has been known as the heart of Chrysler’s minivan empire.

Today, the plant employs about 4,500 workers and spans 4.4 million square feet, making it one of the largest industrial sites in Canada. With the return of the third shift, Windsor will once again operate at full capacity—something it hasn’t seen in more than half a decade.

For Windsor, a city that has long lived and breathed auto manufacturing, the jobs mean stability. For suppliers across Ontario and Michigan, it means more business. And for Stellantis, it’s a chance to solidify its minivan leadership while reviving excitement with a new Dodge Charger lineup.

If everything goes as planned, Windsor’s third shift will be more than just a return to form. It will be proof that even in a turbulent industry, the right mix of products can keep assembly lines humming and communities thriving.

Source: CBC News