Hitachi Energy, the world’s leading electrification company, has announced a $270 million CAD ($195 million USD) investment to expand its large power transformer manufacturing facility in Varennes, Quebec. This expansion — which builds on a previous $140 million CAD investment in 2024 — will nearly triple production capacity, create over 500 new jobs, and strengthen Canada’s role as a global clean-energy manufacturing hub.

As a trusted Hitachi partner, Arbutus West Agency proudly celebrates this milestone and supports Hitachi Energy’s continued leadership in delivering innovative, sustainable energy infrastructure across North America and beyond.

A Transformative Investment for Canada’s Clean Energy Future

The Varennes expansion is part of Hitachi Energy’s $9 billion USD global investment program — the largest in the industry — aimed at expanding manufacturing capacity, R&D, and engineering. With more than half of the goods produced in Varennes sourced locally, this new investment will boost regional economic development and create hundreds of high-quality jobs.

“With this expansion, Varennes will continue to play a leading role in strengthening the region’s power grid. Our team is proud to be at the forefront of delivering sustainable, reliable, and resilient energy infrastructure for decades to come,” said Bruno Melles, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Transformer Business Unit.

Powering the Energy Transition

Transformers play a critical role in the global energy value chain, ensuring the efficient transmission and distribution of electricity. They support key applications such as renewable energy integration, electrified transportation, grid interconnections, and data center operations — all of which are essential to achieving net-zero goals.

According to Carla Vicente, Country Managing Director of Hitachi Energy in Canada, “This investment will allow us to significantly increase our ability to meet the fast-growing demand for large power transformers, reactors, and HVDC technology — all critical to achieving key energy transition goals.”

Quebec: A Hub for Clean Energy Innovation

The Varennes facility is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of HVDC transformers and is CSA N299-certified for nuclear quality assurance — positioning it to meet rising demand from nuclear power generation, infrastructure renewal, and renewable energy projects.

Photo by Hitachi Energy

Government officials have also praised the project’s impact on Canada’s clean economy:

“Hitachi Energy Canada plays a strategic role in Quebec’s energy development. It is the only company in North America that produces transformers of this magnitude… and will continue to be a leader in the green economy.”

— Christine Fréchette, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy

“By supporting Hitachi Energy’s expansion in Quebec, we are strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, securing critical grid technologies, and creating hundreds of good-paying jobs.”
— Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Advancing Grid Modernization and Carbon Neutrality

The expansion will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing upgrades, including a modern assembly line and flexible core and winding feeding lines to improve production flow and efficiency. The facility will also integrate Hitachi Energy’s TrafoStar™ transformer technology platform, ensuring consistent design, quality, and sustainability standards across all global operations.

Hitachi Energy remains firmly committed to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2030, reinforcing its leadership in the global electrification and energy transition movement.

Arbutus West Agency: Proud Partner in Powering a Sustainable Future

At Arbutus West Agency, we are proud to stand alongside Hitachi Energy in promoting innovation and sustainability across the energy sector. This historic investment in Varennes represents not only a leap forward for Canadian clean-energy manufacturing but also a testament to Hitachi’s vision for a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable grid.

As a Hitachi partner, Arbutus West Agency continues to support transformative projects that drive the future of renewable energy, electrification, and power technology — helping communities and industries across Canada thrive in the clean energy era.