Swiss-based technology company Hitachi Energy, a subsidiary of the Japan-based multinational conglomerate Hitachi, recently announced that it is investing $30 million to upgrade and expand its new facility in Stoney Creek.
The Stoney Creek facility, located on Constellation Drive near Lewis Road, is reportedly Canada’s only site dedicated to upgrading and extending the life of medium and large transformers up to 765 kilovolts.
A 765 kV transformer can supply enough electricity to power a city of approximately 250,000 people.
The investment supports 155 existing jobs and creates 30 new jobs.
The Government of Ontario adds that the investment also “protects Ontario’s long-term energy security by strengthening the critical infrastructure that will be needed to power the most competitive economy in the G7.”
Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, says that the province is “leading the largest energy buildout on the continent, which is driving manufacturing investment into the province as we solidify a made-in-Ontario supply chain.”
Lecce added, “Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan outlines the strategy to build new transmission and generation, which is reflected in the investment by Hitachi Energy to build, refurbish and service the most essential transformer components here in Ontario.
A Government of Ontario press release notes that the province is facing a “significant increase in energy demand” and that “onshoring” the energy manufacturing and servicing supply chain is “essential” to protecting the economy.
The increased domestic capacity to service large transformer units is meant to reduce turnaround times, decrease costs, and lessen the industry’s vulnerability to supply chain disruptions.
Hitachi Energy says that the increase in electricity demand is driven by population growth, digitalization, industrial electrification, and the shift to clean energy, but that replacing aging grid infrastructure “can take years.”
Vince Brescia, President and CEO of the Ontario Energy Association, also commented on the announcement, saying, “Expanding domestic capacity for critical grid infrastructure supports reliability, reduces supply chain risks, and ensures utilities can meet Ontario’s growing electricity needs. This investment is an important step in supporting the energy system that families and businesses rely on every day.”
Neil Lumsden, Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton East – Stoney Creek, added, “This major investment in our community will create good-paying jobs, while supporting our government’s work to strengthen Ontario’s energy infrastructure.”
“Having a facility of this scale here in Stoney Creek ensures our province can continue to provide reliable, safe, and locally made energy for generations to come.”
Hitachi Energy is also acquiring a new service facility in Cambridge, Ont., which will reportedly serve as the National hub for Hitachi Energy’s field service operations and is meant to enable “rapid on-site support for utilities and industrial customers.”
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
