New businesses close to opening in Windsor-Essex, says head of development corporation
The head of the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation is "pretty sure" the region will attract two new companies by January and create scores of new jobs.
"We're really close. We've been working on them for a long time," said Stephen MacKenzie following an update to Windsor council Monday night. "I'm pretty sure we'll have two and an outside chance we'll get three."
MacKenzie wouldn't divulge details but said the development commission is actively working to lure companies from Switzerland, Germany, Mexico and the United States. One of the businesses could spawn 400 jobs and two others could bring in 70 and 10 jobs respectively. Another business could bring in a "a couple hundred" jobs over a five-year period, he said.
"We're a finalist, which means something, but we want to bring those deals home," said MacKenzie. "We're going to get a couple of them. I'm very confident."
MacKenzie said discussions with some businesses have reached the point that spouses are travelling to Windsor and looking at homes and school districts.
He added Windsor's reputation as a place to do business is enticing companies to explore what the region has to offer.
"We're getting companies coming here because their research has indicated that we should be a finalist," said MacKenzie. "I hope to have a lot more good news for you in the future."
