Largest-ever Canadian investment to boost grid resilience, renewables and smart infrastructure production
ABB invests CA$130M in Montreal’s new 340,000 sq ft smart factory merging two Quebec sites to expand power grid & renewable energy tech production with 95% lower emissions.
ABB’s CA$130M Quantum Leap in Canadian Cleantech Manufacturing
Zurich/Montreal | August 5, 2025 – Global electrification leader ABB has unveiled plans to invest CA$130 million (US$100 million) in a state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facility in Montreal’s South Shore marking its largest Canadian investment to date. The 340,000 sq ft greenfield site will consolidate operations from Iberville and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu creating a powerhouse for:
✅ Grid Resilience Tech – Protecting utilities against extreme weather
✅ Renewable Energy Systems – Supporting Canada’s clean power transition
✅ Smart Infrastructure – Next-gen solutions for buildings & transport
Project Fast Facts
🏭 Size: 33% larger than combined existing facilities
🔌 Output: 80% of ABB’s Canadian products made/assembled locally
♻️ Sustainability: 95% lower carbon footprint vs legacy plants
👷 Jobs: 600+ existing roles secured, with expansion hiring ahead
📅 Go-Live: Mid-2027
Why This Investment Matters for Canada’s Energy Future?
1. Meeting Critical Demand Surges
- 2X growth forecast for grid hardening tech (2025-2030)
- $400B+ in planned Canadian renewable energy projects needing ABB’s protection systems
- 100% Canadian steel/aluminum used in production
2. Industry 4.0 Manufacturing
- Digital twin-enabled production lines
- AI-driven quality control for mission-critical components
- 30% faster prototyping through co-located R&D
3. Public-Private Synergy
- CA$16M support from Investissement Québec
- Aligns with Canada’s Net-Zero Accelerator Initiative
Leadership Insights
Khalid Mandri, President, ABB Installation Products:
“This hub will be the backbone of Canada’s energy transition – from storm-proof grids to EV charging infrastructure. Our Montreal team is engineering the resilient systems that will outrun climate challenges.”
Investissement Québec Spokesperson:
“ABB’s vote of confidence cements Quebec’s position as North America’s smart grid technology capital.”
Comparative Advantage: Old vs New
| Metric | Legacy Facilities | New Montreal Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 255,000 sq ft | 340,000 sq ft |
| Energy Efficiency | Conventional | 95% lower emissions |
| Automation Level | Semi-automated | Full digital integration |
| R&D Proximity | Separate locations | Co-located teams |
ABB’s Canadian Footprint (2015-2025)
💰 $275M total investments
🏭 5 major facility upgrades
🔬 12 patents filed in power distribution tech
🤝 70% local supply chain utilization
What’s Next?
🔹 2025-26: Site construction begins
🔹 2026: Equipment installation & employee training
🔹 2027 H2: First production runs
Investor & Industry Takeaways
💡 Watch: ABB’s grid tech in Canada’s $23B wildfire resilience plan
💡 Opportunity: Local suppliers for busbars, sensors & IoT components
💡 Trend: “Engineered to Outrun” becoming industry standard for climate-proof infrastructure
Final Thoughts
This investment isn’t just about scaling production—it’s about future-proofing Canada’s energy backbone. By merging manufacturing with cutting-edge R&D under one ultra-efficient roof, ABB is creating a template for 21st-century industrial resilience.
