The federal government and Magna are teaming up to create a new research facility to develop lightweight, environmentally friendly car parts.

All industry stakeholders, not just Magna, will have access to the $7.2-million centre devoted to ultra lightweight parts that are more durable, safer and cheaper, Industry Minister Tony Clement said yesterday in Woodbridge.

Canadian Auto Workers union economist Jim Stanford doubts the facility will create a substantial number of new jobs in the sector, since companies will likely usher in their current teams to use the facility.

"A thing like this is not going to lead to a lot of job creation," he said.

But, he added, measures like this will help defend remaining jobs in the future.

"It's very important for Canada to develop our made-in-Canada expertise in the auto industry," Stanford said.

RELIANCE ENDING

"For too long we relied on foreign companies to bring the technology, the machinery and the products to us and then we would manufacture them."

The centre is a joint partnership between Magna International Inc., Canada's largest supplier of auto parts, and the National Research Council.

The Magna-NRC Composite Centre of Excellence will be equipped with cutting-edge moulding equipment for thermoplastic composites used to make next-generation car parts.

"Automotive suppliers and original equipment manufacturers that lead the industry in innovation and productivity know that vehicles of the future will need more composite content in order to provide the fuel economy, utility and safety that consumers demand," said Bob Brownlee, president of Magna Exteriors and Interiors.

The facility is slated to open next summer and will be located at an existing Magna building in Concord.