EllisDon has officially topped off the Ford Oakville Stamping Plant, marking a major milestone in a high-performance automotive industrial build that exemplifies precision, speed, and collaboration. This achievement signals the completion of the building’s structural framework and sets the stage for the next phase of a technically sophisticated project, one shaped by deep excavation, intricate press-line infrastructure, and a fast-tracked schedule carried through winter conditions.

Built with Grit: From Groundbreaking to Steel Topping

From the first shovel in the ground to the final steel beam, the journey to topping off has been a showcase of engineering excellence. This design-build initiative has transformed the north side of the Oakville Assembly Complex with a 284,600-square-foot stamping facility that will power Ford’s future vehicle program line.

At the heart of the facility is a five-stage Tandem Press line, where massive sheets of metal are shaped into vehicle components with millimeter-level precision. Constructing this kind of infrastructure demands deep pits, robust foundations, and seamless integration with existing operations, challenges that were met head-on with strategic planning and expert execution.

“This facility represents more than a construction milestone, it’s a major investment in Oakville’s future,” said Randy Reymer, Senior Vice President and Area Manager, London, EllisDon. “With approximately 1,800 direct jobs and broader support across logistics and supply chains, the stamping plant reinforces the region’s role as a manufacturing hub and sets the stage for long-term economic growth.”

Smart Choices, Strategic Impact

This build isn’t just big—it’s a strategic response to complex demands and future needs. From the outset, EllisDon’s team made forward-thinking decisions that enhanced efficiency, safety, and long-term value. The facility connects directly to Ford’s existing operations via custom-designed trestles, streamlining material flow and operational continuity. Simultaneously, foundations for a future scrap building were poured in parallel, an investment in tomorrow’s needs, delivered today.

“Constructing the deep press pits required careful sequencing and strict safety protocols due to the complexity of working up to seven metres below grade,” said Ashley Maxwell, Construction Manager, EllisDon. “Crews navigated confined spaces and installed heavy-duty foundations while insulated metal panels were added early to wrap the building envelope. That allowed interior work to start ahead of schedule. Every step reflected not just technical skill, but a deep understanding of how to deliver value under pressure and adapt to changing site conditions.”

Built Together, Built for Impact

This milestone reflects EllisDon’s ability to lead with foresight and deliver high-performance builds that meet demanding standards and exceed expectations. EllisDon’s teams anticipated below-grade complexities and sequenced seven metres of deep excavation to accommodate the five-stage Tandem Press line – a cookie cutter for vehicle parts.

Strategic decisions, such as early installation of insulated metal panels, allowed interior work to begin ahead of schedule while improving thermal performance. The team also poured foundations for a future scrap building in parallel, demonstrating a proactive approach to long-term operational needs. These moves weren’t just tactical—they were emblematic of EllisDon’s disciplined project leadership and ability to deliver value under pressure.

Excellence in Execution

At EllisDon, we specialize in delivering complex industrial builds that demand precision, speed, and seamless coordination. The Ford Oakville Stamping Plant is a prime example of how we bring together multidisciplinary teams, align with partners, and execute with purpose. From deep excavation to advanced press-line integration, we approach every challenge with foresight and discipline—because building high-performance facilities isn’t just what we do, it’s what we do best.