Border blockade could have 'devastating' impact for mold makers

DETROIT—As the Ambassador Bridge blockade continues to its fourth day, the mold making industry is watching the bridge closure and protests with increasing concern.

The Canadian Association of Moldmakers and Automate Canada said they were sending a joint letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asking for stronger action to resolve the crisis.

Jeanine Lassaline-Berglund, president of both organizations, said some member companies are "up in arms" about the business disruptions. She said one company noted it sends C$4.5 million (U.S. $3.5 million) in tooling across the border each month.

Canadian firms, she added, are worried the shutdown will make U.S. customers more reluctant to source in Canada, on top of the struggles with border trade during the two years of the coronavirus pandemic.

"This has the potential for devastating effect," she said. "In our opinion, we have U.S. customers and the U.S. public at large, if you will, that are watching what is going on here and saying, 'This is just one more reason not to do business in Canada.' "

She said the two groups, which are based in Windsor, were encouraging the government to talk with protesters.

"We need resolution," she said. "However you can come to a resolution, we need it. We're here to support."

Industry consultant Laurie Harbour said the bridge shutdown could have significant impact, noting that many mold builders in Canada buy steel and components from the U.S.

"This could delay builds and deliveries to customers which will cause a ripple effect to molders that won't be able to make parts for new vehicle launches," said Harbour, who is president and CEO of Harbour Results in Southfield, Mich. "I don't have hard data but this could have a significant impact if it goes on too long."