Young people interested in building rewarding careers in the automotive aftermarket sector are heading for Barrie, Ont. on Oct. 21.
Automotive parts and paint supplies cooperative Modern Sales Co-op and commercial vehicle equipment supplier Joe Johnson Equipment are among 23 exhibitors listed for the Industry Hiring Event & Career Expo. Admission is free.
The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop Street West. Students, recent graduates, alumni and community job seekers are welcome, including experienced workers considering a career change.
Headquartered in Barrie, Modern Sales Co-op supplies member businesses across Canada with automotive parts, paint and body supplies, heavy-duty truck products, and tools and equipment. The cooperative has operated for more than 80 years.
Innisfil-based Joe Johnson Equipment supplies and services street sweepers, sewer maintenance vehicles, hydro-excavation equipment and refuse equipment. The Federal Signal subsidiary also provides parts and refurbishment services. Its employment programs include paid apprenticeships, tuition assistance and skills training.
Vehicle manufacturing and automotive production equipment businesses will also participate.
Honda of Canada Mfg. operates facilities in Alliston producing Civic and CR-V models, including hybrids. The operation opened in 1986 and employs more than 4,200 people, according to figures published in March. Approximately 401,000 vehicles were produced there in 2025.
Barrie-based Innovative Automation designs and builds automated production systems for automotive and other manufacturers. Founded in 1989, the company develops robotic assembly, welding, taping and fastening equipment. Its products include RoboTape technology developed through a collaboration with 3M.
Weber Manufacturing Technologies, headquartered in Midland, produces moulds and tooling for automotive interiors and exteriors, aerospace, and building products. Founded in 1962, the privately owned manufacturer employs approximately 210 people across three plants.
Lakehead University, Georgian College, EmployNext and Invest Barrie, the City of Barrie’s economic development and business support operation, are organizing the expo.
Recruitment categories include full-time and part-time employment, co-op placements, internships, summer positions, apprenticeships and graduate opportunities. Specific vacancies and hiring numbers have not been published.
Attendees are encouraged to bring updated résumés and be prepared to discuss their skills, experience and career interests. Employers will be available to discuss current vacancies, future recruitment needs and career pathways.
Further information is available from Richard Birch, advisor for co-op and career education at Lakehead University, at [email protected] or 705-330-4010 ext. 2129. The current exhibitor roster is available on the Invest Barrie event page.
