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)
You’re in good company
Recent Investment Announcements
Mitsubishi Aircraft
Mitsubishi Aircraft, a subsidiary of Japan-based Mitsubishi, will invest $135 million to open a new office in Montréal, Québec. It will focus on certification and entry into service of Mitsubishi SpaceJet products and will create 100 new jobs initally with a further 150 jobs plans in the future.
BYD Co Ltd
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD Co Ltd announced the opening of its first plant in Canada, which will initially focus on assembling buses for the Toronto Transit Commission, a public transport agency.
General Motors
General Motors Canada, a subsidiary of US-based General Motors, will invest $170 million into its assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario. The plant will serve as a stamping facility, producing parts for GM vehicles and will also have a test track for autonomous vehicles.
Air Liquide
Air Liquide Canada, a provider of gas and energy solutions and a subsidiary of France-based Air Liquide, will install a new 20-megawatt PEM (Proton-Exchange Membrane) electrolyser at its facility in Bécancour, Québec, to increase its output capacity of carbon-free hydrogen for the North American market. This new PEM electrolyzer will be the world’s largest and will serve the increasing demand for carbon-free hydrogen.
Xinyi Glass Holdings
Hong Kong-based Xinyi Glass Holdings, a provider of float, automobile, construction, and other glass products for commercial and industrial applications, plans to open a new large float glass plant in Ontario. The company will invest $450 million in the facility and create 400 new jobs.
Bridgestone
Japan-based tyre manufacturer Bridgestone announced the construction of an automated warehouse at its Canadian passenger and light truck tire manufacturing facility in Joliette, Québec. The investment, estimated at $55 million, will enhance the operational excellence of the plant and increase the company’s agility to serve the North American market. With a maximum storage capacity of 500,000 tires, the new building will utilize fully automated technology to store the tires manufactured at the Joliette plant.
Toyota Motor
Japan-based automotive company Toyota Motor plans to expand its operations in Ontario. The company will invest $1.4 billion in its Cambridge North plant and its West plant in Woodstock which will create 450 new jobs. The company will expand its Canadian operations to build traditional and hybrid RAV4 sport utility vehicles. Toyota will also invest $200 million in Canadian research and development over ten years.