Retooling begins at Chrysler's Windsor assembly plant

More workers than previously expected will be needed to help retool the Chrysler Windsor Assembly Plant, where the company's next generation minivan will be produced.

According to union officials, the project could now require up to 1,800 workers.

The assembly plant is expected to shutdown at 6 p.m. Friday, with retooling beginning at 8 p.m.

The retool will take 14 weeks. Work is expected to be completed in May.

Workers descend on Windsor

Vollmer, one of the larger contractors, has hired nearly 350 skilled trades workers.

"We're probably going to hire at a minimum of another 40 in March once the project starts getting ramped up," Bob Donaldson, a spokesperson with Vollmer said.

Many of the workers brought in for the retool are from across the province, like Joe Waggoner.

The iron worker from Guelph, Ont.  made the trip to Windsor after being unemployed for the past three months.

"Ten hours a day, seven days a week, so it's a good opportunity to make some good money and get ahead," he said.

The increase in workers is bringing more business for local restaurants and hotels.

"All of our rooms with two beds are booked," Anna Idzikowski, who works with Lexington Inn and Suites said.