Canada’s first transformer insulation pressboard manufacturing facility is expected to create more than 100 jobs and strengthen North America’s electricity supply chain.
LONDON, Ontario — October 16, 2026 — Hitachi Energy plans to invest $479 million to establish a Transformer Insulation Centre in London, Ontario, creating Canada’s first manufacturing facility for transformer insulation pressboard. The project is expected to generate more than 100 jobs while expanding domestic production of a critical material used in power and distribution transformers.
Invest Ontario is prepared to support the development through a conditional grant of up to $20 million from the Invest Ontario Fund. The proposed funding remains subject to the execution of a definitive funding agreement.
According to Hitachi Energy, the 21,000-square-metre facility will become the largest transformer pressboard factory of its kind globally.
Strengthening Canada’s Transformer Supply Chain
Transformer insulation pressboard is an engineered cellulose material that electrically isolates components inside power and distribution transformers. These transformers are essential to delivering electricity safely and reliably to homes, businesses and industrial facilities.
As electricity demand increases across Canada and North America, utilities are expanding and modernizing their networks. Hitachi Energy’s London investment will establish a Canadian source of insulation pressboard, reducing reliance on imports and improving access to materials needed for grid infrastructure.
The project will combine Canadian pulp resources with Ontario’s manufacturing capabilities and Hitachi Energy’s power technology expertise. It is also expected to create new opportunities for Canadian pulp producers supplying materials for transformer insulation manufacturing.
Ontario Offers Talent and Customer Access
Hitachi Energy selected Ontario for its skilled workforce, proximity to customers and raw materials, and position within North America’s advanced manufacturing and energy supply chains.
The London facility will add domestic manufacturing capacity at a time when utilities need dependable access to components supporting grid expansion, modernization and long-term energy security.
Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli said the investment reflects the province’s ability to attract long-term manufacturing projects despite global economic uncertainty. He highlighted the new employment opportunities and Ontario’s growing role in manufacturing equipment that supports the electricity sector.
Supporting Growing Electricity Demand
Carla Vicente, Country Managing Director for Canada at Hitachi Energy, described the project as a significant development for Canadian manufacturing and the country’s energy future. Establishing Canada’s first pressboard manufacturing line in London, she said, will bring a critical capability closer to customers while reinforcing domestic supply chains.
The investment also reflects Hitachi Energy’s long-term commitment to Canadian industry, workforce development and innovation as the economy becomes increasingly electrified.
Invest Ontario CEO Khawar Nasim emphasized the connection between rising electricity demand and the infrastructure required to meet it. He said domestic production of transformer insulation will help support grid expansion while strengthening Ontario’s position as a destination for advanced manufacturing and energy investment.
By adding a Canadian source of this essential transformer material, the project will help build the supply capacity needed to support electricity networks and future economic growth across North America.
About Invest Ontario
Invest Ontario is the province’s dedicated investment attraction agency, providing businesses with a single point of access to expertise and tailored services throughout the investment process. The agency works to secure strategic investments that create jobs, generate economic returns and strengthen Ontario’s long-term competitiveness.
For more information, visit InvestOntario.ca.
About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global electrification company headquartered in Switzerland. Serving utilities, industry, data centres and transportation markets, the company provides technologies that support secure, affordable and sustainable electricity systems.
Hitachi Energy employs more than 56,000 people in 60 countries and has an installed technology base spanning more than 140 countries.
