$479 million investment will strengthen Canada’s domestic electricity supply chain and support growing demand for grid infrastructure across North America
LONDON, Ontario, October 16, 2026 – Invest Ontario partnered with Hitachi Energy today as the company unveiled plans to invest $479 million to set up a Transformer Insulation Centre in London, Ontario. This initiative will mark the establishment of Canada’s first manufacturing facility dedicated to transformer insulation pressboard, which is essential for power and distribution transformers. Invest Ontario is ready to offer a conditional grant of up to $20 million from the Invest Ontario Fund to aid the project, pending a finalized funding agreement. The endeavor is expected to generate over 100 jobs.
With electricity needs steadily increasing across Canada and North America, utilities are committing resources into infrastructure that powers homes, businesses, industries, and communities. Hitachi Energy’s investment aims to satisfy this demand by initiating local production of transformer insulation pressboard-an engineered cellulose material that electrically isolates components within power and distribution transformers-for the first time in Canada. The new facility will lessen dependency on imports while enhancing supply chain resilience for vital grid infrastructure.
As utilities work on modernizing and expanding their electrical networks, having dependable access to transformer insulation materials becomes increasingly important for ensuring the safe and reliable flow of electricity. Developing domestic manufacturing capabilities will help fortify the electricity supply chain while improving access to crucial components necessary for accommodating rising energy demands.
According to Hitachi Energy, the facility covering 21,000 square meters will be Canada’s first transformer pressboard factory and will become the largest of its kind worldwide.
Ontario was chosen for this investment due to its availability of top-tier talent, proximity to clients and raw materials, as well as its strategic role within North America’s advanced manufacturing and energy supply chains.
By leveraging Canadian pulp resources along with Ontario’s advanced manufacturing skills and Hitachi Energy’s global expertise in power technologies, the Transformer Insulation Factory will bolster Canada’s capacity to construct and sustain infrastructure essential for long-term economic growth and energy security.
This investment also opens new avenues for Canadian pulp producers while reinforcing Ontario’s standing as a premier location for advanced manufacturing ventures focused on energy infrastructure and supply chain investments.
In light of global economic challenges, our government remains committed to creating competitive conditions that encourage international companies like Hitachi Energy to confidently grow their operations in Ontario with sustainable projects. We take pride in partnering with Hitachi Energy on this latest venture which promises high-value job creation for local workers while positioning Ontario as a central hub for advanced manufacturing initiatives driving our economy forward.
Hon. Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Today’s announcement signifies an important advancement in Canadian manufacturing as well as our nation’s energy future. By launching Canada’s first pressboard production line here in London, we’re bringing an essential capability closer home which strengthens domestic supply chains while supporting infrastructure necessary for meeting rising electricity needs. This commitment underscores our dedication towards fostering Canadian industry innovation within an electric economy.
Carla Vicente
Country Managing Director, Canada, Hitachi Energy
Ontario plays a significant role in powering communities throughout Canada and North America. With increasing demand for electricity comes an escalating need for supporting infrastructure. By setting up local production of this critical transformer component，Hitachi Energy contributes towards enhancing supply chains required for grid expansion whilst reinforcing Ontario’s position as a core hub tailored toward advanced manufacturing endeavors related directly or indirectly towards energy systems development. This project highlights what can happen when innovative organizations collaborate alongside strong partners looking ahead at tomorrow’s solutions together!
Khawar Nasim
CEOr , Invest Ontario p >
For more information about Invest Ontario , please visit Invest Ontario. ca. p >
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