Mayor Statement Regarding Woodward Inc. Announcement

Peterborough, ON - Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement regarding the announcement by Woodward Inc. that it will be closing its local facility in August 2027 and relocating the operations to Poland:

The announcement that Woodward Inc. plans to close its Peterborough manufacturing facility in August 2027 to relocate production to Poland is deeply disappointing for our community. My thoughts are with the about 165 employees and their families who are affected by this decision.

As recent as earlier this week, we were coordinating with Woodward for a site visit with provincial stakeholders. Just three weeks ago, Woodward participated in the Peterborough Aerospace and Defence Cluster meeting – Woodward is a member of that collaboration of local businesses and organizations. We were taken by surprise by Woodward’s announcement that it will relocate production to Poland.

The City is already engaged with the employment services agency operated by Fleming College and with the Ministry of Labour to support activities that will help affected employees transition to new jobs.

At that recent Peterborough Aerospace and Defence Cluster meeting, we heard from several businesses that are looking to hire specific skillsets in this area. I’m hopeful that the affected Woodward employees who want to stay in this region can land with one of the other employers that are hiring highly skilled employees in that sector.

Last week, Fairbanks Morse Defense finalized its acquisition of the Rolls-Royce Naval Handling facility in Peterborough, which will serve as the company’s Canadian headquarters. We’re seeing investment and growth in the defence industrial sector. Woodward’s decision is disappointing. Over the next year as Woodward moves its operations, we’ll work with all our partners to support the transition for the affected employees.

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