Advanced Manufacturing
The Canadian advanced manufacturing sector, which includes the fields of robotics, 3D printing and ICT technologies, benefits from one of the best research and development (R&D) environments in the world along with a readily available wealth of talent. As a global leader in system integration, artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, machine vision and automation, Canada facilitates the seamless integration of Industry 4.0 solutions into manufacturing operations.
GM selected Canada for its clear capacity for innovation, proven talent and strong ecosystem of great universities, start-ups and innovative suppliers.
Automotive manufacturing in Canada
Canada is the 16th largest vehicle producing country, with an annual production of 1.12 million vehicles in 2021. Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler have all chosen to establish operations in Canada to tap into the country’s manufacturing expertise and wealth of talent. The Canadian automotive industry benefits from well-established supply chains and easy access to North American markets through secure trade corridors.
Machinery and equipment in Canada
Canada’s machinery and equipment industry benefits from strong activity in machinery-intensive sectors such as agriculture and natural resources. These key sectors, which are highly concentrated in the Canadian Prairies, ensure continuous demand for machinery and equipment manufacturers in Canada.
Chemicals in Canada
Canada’s chemical industry has attracted investments from all of the world’s five largest chemical producing companies. Chemical manufacturers continuously choose to set up operations in Canada to tap into the country’s wealth of natural resources, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and low business costs.
Investing in manufacturing in Canada
Technology
Innovation is disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, and early technology adopters are leading the transformation. Canadian companies have advanced experience in additive manufacturing technology. According to EY's Global 3DP Survey of 900 companies from 13 countries, Canada ranks 3rd for the highest level of experience with 3D printing.
Incentives
As part of the Accelerated Investment Incentive, Canada introduced federal tax credits, which include an immediate 100% write-off for newly-acquired manufacturing and processing equipment. Additionally, Canada is the first country in the G20 to offer a tariff-free zone for industrial manufacturers, allowing investors to import advanced machinery and equipment from their parent companies free of import duties.
The Advanced Manufacturing (NGen) Supercluster connects manufacturers, technology providers, researchers, schools, government, investors and business networks to accelerate the design and adoption of next-generation manufacturing technologies. It is expected to contribute over $13.5B to Canada’s GDP over 10 years.
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program provides income-tax credits and refunds for expenditures on eligible R&D activity in Canada.
The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) bolsters business investments in Canada's most dynamic and innovative sectors by supporting business activities such as:
- R&D projects
- Firm expansion
- Large-scale, global-investment attraction
- Collaborative technology demonstration projects
- Clean technology adoption and decarbonization
Leading research institutes
- University of Toronto Institute for Robotics and Mechatronics (IRM)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Canadian Field Robotics Network
- Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI)
- Additive Design in Surgical Solutions Centre
- Advanced Manufacturing Park
- CIC Engineering
- Canadian Centre for Field Robotics at York University
- Integrated Manufacturing Centre (IMC)
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