Ontario Welcomes More Than $100 Million Technology Investment in Toronto
November 28, 2024
Hitachi Rail’s expansion will create 100 new jobs and boost local economy
The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of over $100 million by Hitachi Rail, a leader in the global transportation ecosystem, to expand their Toronto operations and upgrade their world-leading communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling technology. The investment will enable the integration of AI, 5G, edge and cloud computing in their products, securing the future success of Ontario-invented technology. The expansion will grow the company’s engineering centre, creating 100 new, good-paying jobs at their York Mills office, including roles in research and development and engineering.
“As one of the largest and most sought-after tech hubs in North America, Ontario is driving the development of next-generation technologies that will strengthen economic growth across key sectors, including automation and transportation,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through Invest Ontario, we are proud to support Hitachi Rail’s expansion in Toronto and thank them for choosing our province as the ideal place for their continued growth and success.”
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Hitachi Rail’s presence has recently expanded to over 50 countries, with their Canadian operations now employing more than 1,200 people. The expansion of their Ontario workforce, which currently employs 1,000 highly-skilled workers, will advance the engineering and design of its urban rail signalling system, while integrating these in-demand products with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, 5G capabilities and mobile edge computing. In support of this investment, the province is providing $4.5 million in funding through the Invest Ontario Fund.
“The over $100 million investment in the next generation of our world-leading SelTracTM technology is hugely exciting – and we are grateful to the Government of Ontario and Invest Ontario for their support,” said Ziad Rizk, Managing Director, Urban Rail Signalling, Hitachi Rail. “By integrating AI, 5G, edge and cloud computing, our system will allow urban rail transportation operators around the globe to improve passenger journeys and operate more efficiently. This Ontario-invented technology is a Canadian success story that is creating jobs and boosting economic growth.”
Over the last three and half years, Ontario has attracted tens of billions of dollars in technology investments, with the province’s expertise in smart mobility and connectivity technologies allowing next-generation ideas to advance from lab to market. Ontario’s competitive business costs, talented workforce, and state-of-the-art research and development facilities continue to position the province as a trusted partner for both domestic and international companies – ensuring the province is recognized as a top-tier destination for domestic and international businesses to invest and grow.
Quick Facts
- Ontario has the second largest number of information and communications technology (ICT) establishments in North America and is home to more than 420,000 ICT workers.
- Every year, more than 70,000 STEM students graduate from post-secondary programs across the province, producing one of the most highly skilled workforces in the world.
- Since taking office in 2018, the province has created more than 100,000 tech jobs across the sector.
- Developing and deploying critical technologies is key to attracting investment, addressing productivity issues, expanding business opportunities, and creating high-paying, skilled jobs.
- Since its inception, Invest Ontario has secured over $4 billion in investments, which resulted in the creation of more than 4,000 jobs in the province.
- As announced in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, the province is providing an additional $100 million to the Invest Ontario Fund. This brings the fund total to $700 million.
Quotes
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America, connecting millions more Ontarians to reliable and affordable public transit. Today’s announcement means Hitachi Rail will be helping even more workers gain the critical expertise needed to deliver Ontario’s generational projects.”
– Prabmeet Sarkaria
Minister of Transportation
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, Ontario continues to attract innovative investments like Hitachi Rail’s expansion. This growth not only strengthens our economy, but creates high-quality jobs for local communities and reinforces the province’s position as a global leader in advanced technology and transportation solutions.”
– David Smith
MPP, Scarborough Centre
“Hitachi Rail’s investment is a testament to Ontario’s strengths in future technologies that are transforming industries from manufacturing to transportation. We are excited to support the company in advancing a made-in-Ontario technology that keeps cities around the world on the move.”
– Jennifer Block
Interim CEO of Invest Ontario
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