Lakeshore company receives $17M to make lighter cars

A Lakeshore auto parts manufacturer has received $17-million from the federal government to build lightweight aluminum components.

The multimillion-dollar investment in Astrex Inc. was announced Thursday by Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Navdeep Bainsat theCanadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

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The company will used the funds to makelighter, stronger car parts with the goal of reducing fuel use and carbon emissions.

"At Astrex, we have created a facility at the leading edge of aluminum extrusion technology and with the support of the Government ofCanada, we are proud to be able to create more manufacturing jobs in theWindsorarea," said general manager, Mark Blackmore.

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The companyplans to hire 62 new full-time employees this year and add an additional 24 jobs over the next two years.