August 26, 2016 – GE broke ground today on its new multi-modal factory in Welland, Ont., which is expected to create 220 jobs with operations commencing in early 2018. The first phase of the investment is $165 million US.

The facility will initially manufacture GE Power’s reciprocating gas engines, components for compression, mechanical drive, and power generation, and manufacture components for GE transportation diesel engines. The multi-modal design enables future production expansion for other GE global businesses, says the company, including Power, Oil & Gas, and Transportation.

“Here, we will run three-dimensional machining simulations for CNC programs, gain real-time analytics to better understand the operating conditions of a machine or a test cell, install lights-out machining, and combine all with advanced lean manufacturing practices,” explained Heiner Markhoff, president & CEO of GE’s Water and Distributed Power Business.

The Province of Ontario is providing GE a conditional grant of $26.55 million through the Jobs and Prosperity Fund (JPF), where “businesses, business associations and entrepreneurs can get funding for projects to enhance productivity and help them compete in the global marketplace”.

“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,” said Elyse Allan, GE Canada president & CEO.

Welland’s proximity to the U.S. border, availability of skilled labour and education facilities were important considerations in the location of the factory, says GE.

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.

— Photo courtesy GE Canada via Twitter @GE_Canada .