Hitachi Energy is investing $30 million to upgrade and expand newly acquired facilities in Stoney Creek and Cambridge, a move the Ontario government says will help reinforce the province’s energy supply chain and support long-term economic growth as electricity demand rises.
The investment will sustain 155 existing jobs and create 30 new positions, bringing total employment supported by the project to 185. Provincial officials say the expansion aligns with Ontario’s broader push to modernize and expand electricity generation, transmission, and servicing capacity as population growth, electrification, and industrial investment place increasing strain on the grid .
Speaking at an announcement in Stoney Creek on Tuesday, Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said the project reflects Ontario’s strategy to attract manufacturing investment by strengthening domestic energy infrastructure.
“Ontario 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,” said Lecce. “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. Under Premier Ford, our government is protecting our province’s supply chain, ending foreign dependence, and ensuring Ontario emerges more self-reliant and stronger.”
The Stoney Creek facility is Canada’s only site dedicated to upgrading and extending the life of medium and large transformers up to 765 kilovolts, equipment that plays a critical role in delivering electricity across long distances. The plant also has specialized expertise in transformer refurbishment, a capability that is limited across North America and increasingly important as utilities seek to maintain aging assets while managing costs and emissions.
In addition to the Stoney Creek expansion, Hitachi Energy will acquire a new service facility in Cambridge. The Cambridge location will become the company’s national hub for Field Service operations, providing on-site support for utilities and industrial customers across Canada.
“Ontario is taking the long view on energy, and we are proud to build that future together,” said Carla Vicente, Country Managing Director. “Our investment in Stoney Creek and Cambridge strengthens the province’s ability to maintain a reliable grid and support the industries that drive its economy. Hitachi Energy is committed to growing in Ontario and ensuring the province has the infrastructure and expertise it needs for the decades ahead.”
The announcement comes as Ontario faces a sharp increase in electricity demand over the coming decades, driven by electrification of transportation, housing growth, advanced manufacturing, and data-intensive industries. The province’s first integrated energy plan, Energy For Generations, outlines plans to build up to 1,500 kilometres of new transmission lines to support this growth.
Industry groups say expanding domestic capacity for transformer manufacturing and refurbishment is critical, given limited service options in Canada for large transformer units. Without local facilities, utilities and industrial customers can face longer repair times, higher costs, and increased exposure to global supply chain disruptions.
Local and industry leaders welcomed the investment, citing both economic and infrastructure benefits.
“This major investment in our community will create good paying jobs, while supporting our government’s work to strengthen Ontario’s energy infrastructure,” said Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East – Stoney Creek. “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.”
Business and energy organizations echoed those sentiments, emphasizing reliability and competitiveness. The Ontario Energy Association called the investment “a strong vote of confidence” in the province’s energy system, while Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters said growing transformer capacity at home gives businesses greater confidence to invest and compete.
Refurbishing transformers also carries environmental benefits. According to the province, refurbishing a unit can reduce emissions by up to 70 per cent compared with manufacturing a new transformer, supporting Ontario’s broader clean energy and emissions reduction objectives.
Hitachi Energy, incorporated in June 2021, employs more than 1,000 workers across Canada. Company officials and provincial leaders say the Stoney Creek and Cambridge expansions position Ontario to better manage future energy needs while anchoring high-value manufacturing and service jobs within the province as the energy transition accelerates.
