Amid a trade war with the United States, a global energy company is making a major investment in London, Ont. Hitachi Energy has announced a $479-million investment in a new transformer insulation factory, with support from the federal and provincial governments. The 226,000-square-foot (21,000-square-metre) facility will be built at Huron Street and Veterans Memorial Parkway. “This new facility will create over 100 permanent skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs,” said Carla Vicente of Hitachi Energy Canada. The federal and provincial governments are contributing a combined $50 million. “More than 20,000 tonnes of wood fibre will be turned into electric grid pressboard and will strengthen the domestic supply chain and our forest sector,” said federal Industry Minister Melanie Joly at a news conference at the site. Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli said the facility will be the first transformer pressboard factory in Canada and the largest of its kind in the world. Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said global thinking is at the forefront of the investment. “We’re building an end-to-end supply chain made in Canada, made by Canadians and for Canadians, and I think that is the ultimate illustration of success that we can punch back and stand up for the good of Canada.” Although construction is underway, the factory is not expected to be ready until late 2028. The project marks Hitachi Energy’s second venture into London. Last year, the company purchased Canduct Industries, a manufacturer of transformer cooling equipment. Hitachi Energy executives told CTV News London that site easements and access to electrical power were critical to the final decision to build in the city. Mayor Josh Morgan echoed the importance of reliable energy infrastructure in attracting major investments. “Safe, secure, reliable power, and power infrastructure are critical — critical — to these investments.” Hitachi Energy says the factory remains on track for completion despite potential changes in economic conditions. “We have a very solid foundation to make sure the factory is ready on time. Hitachi Energy and Hitachi are committed to the long term,” said Bruno Melles, CEO of Hitachi Energy’s Transformers business unit.
