GE executives and representatives from Welland and the Niagara Region were joined by Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Canadian Federal Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland at a groundbreaking ceremony for GE’s multi-modal “Brilliant Factory” in Welland, Canada. The facility is expected to begin operations in early 2018.
“Ontario is a smart choice for companies looking to grow their business and create good jobs,” said Premier Wynne. “With this investment in Welland, GE has cast a vote of confidence in Ontario's culture of innovation, highly skilled workers and dynamic business climate.”
Minister Freeland stated, “When companies like GE establish or expand their businesses in Canada, they are contributing to our progressive trade strategy, and creating good, middle class jobs. I’m delighted to be here to see shovels in the ground for this important, job-creating investment – and to thank GE for its continued investment in Canada.”
The facility will initially manufacture GE Power’s reciprocating gas engines, components for compression, mechanical drive, and power generation. Components for GE transportation diesel engines will also be manufactured at the new facility. The multi-modal design will enable production expansion for other GE global businesses, including Power, Oil & Gas, and Transportation.
“Export Development Canada’s (EDC) commitment to building global business activities and the outstanding support offered by the Ontario government, Niagara Region, and City strongly influenced our decision to build the factory in Welland,” stated Elyse Allan, president and CEO, GE Canada. “I look forward to continuing our outstanding collaboration to create jobs and economic growth.”
The facility is expected to create 220 jobs. The first phase of the investment is $165 million.
Architectural and design companies selected by GE for the project include HH Angus, B+H Architects, CSO Architects, Lea Consulting and Thorton Tomasetti. PCL Construction is the general contractor.