Hitachi intends to triple its production of high-power transformers in Varennes

Hitachi Energy is injecting another $270 million into its high-power transformer manufacturing plant in Varennes, Montérégie. 

The announcement was made Monday in Varennes by Hitachi executives and the Quebec and Canadian Energy Ministers, Christine Fréchette and Tim Hodgson. To the sound of Star Wars music, a huge poster depicting what the plant will look like once the work is completed was slowly erected in the middle of the press conference.

This investment, which comes on top of the $140 million announced just over a year ago, will expand the plant that manufactures huge transformers the size of a two-story house, as well as electricity transmission and distribution equipment for large-scale industry.

“The transformers that will come out of this plant will make it possible to integrate more renewable energy. They will strengthen the resilience of our networks, including Hydro-Québec’s, and will support key industries such as aluminum, steel, data centers, and electrified transportation,” explained Carla Vicente, Executive Director of Hitachi Energy Canada.

This investment will create 500 jobs at the Varennes facilities and triple production.

Quebec, which injected $30 million into last year’s investment, is adding another $16 million this time and, most importantly, “a 15-megawatt block of energy to meet the company’s needs at the end of its expansion project. As you know, Quebec is one of the largest producers of green energy in the world. (…) Canada’s energy future is being built, is being built in Quebec. This is where we have the renewable energy the planet needs,” declared Minister Fréchette.

For its part, Ottawa is adding $10 million to its initial investment of $30 million made a year ago, bringing the total to $40 million. “The timing of this investment couldn’t be better,” said Minister Hodgson. “Overall demand for these transformers is at a record high, with wait times of up to five years. Clearly, supply is not meeting demand.”

Speaking on behalf of Mélanie Joly, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, Carlos Leitao, did not fail to take a jibe at the Donald Trump administration: “Despite the ambient noise coming from south of the border, we still believe that Canada’s future depends on a strong manufacturing sector. And the key to a strong manufacturing sector is having large industries like this one, large companies that can then help develop an entire supply chain. (…) We will always be there to support the manufacturing sector, despite what our neighbors might say.” 

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews