Siemens is making a major bet on Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) and battery sector, announcing a $150 million investment over five years to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies Research and Development (R&D) Center for Battery Production.
The new center, headquartered at Siemens Canada’s Oakville offices and extending to facilities in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, will focus on cutting-edge AI manufacturing tools to drive innovation in EV and battery production. The investment is expected to create up to 90 new high-paying jobs in Ontario.
“The decision to choose Canada as home for our Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center was driven by Canada’s highly qualified talent and strong collaborations with world-leading universities,” said Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens Digital Industries. “This center will position Siemens as a key player in the global battery sector.”
The initiative will build on Siemens’ strengths in artificial intelligence, edge computing, machine vision, digital twins, and cybersecurity to improve battery production quality, reduce waste, enhance productivity, and support recycling and circularity goals. It also reinforces Canada’s growing role in the global battery supply chain, aligning with federal and provincial strategies to make the country a leader in sustainable battery manufacturing.
“Canada is a world leader in battery manufacturing, including here at home in Oakville,” said Innovation Minister Anita Anand. “This is great news for innovators and for our community.”
Premier Doug Ford welcomed the announcement as a sign of confidence in Ontario’s economic strategy. “Siemens’ latest investment in Ontario is a vote of confidence in our world-class workforce, our investment-friendly business environment and our growing end-to-end electric vehicle supply chain.”
The investment will cover talent recruitment, new equipment, advanced software, and ecosystem development, supported by both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, added, “Ontario continues to be a global destination for investment and job creation, particularly in our EV and EV battery sector. We’re thrilled to welcome this latest investment by Siemens.”
Faisal Kazi, President and CEO of Siemens Canada, said the R&D center will serve as a catalyst for national innovation in the clean energy transition. “This initiative will not only enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global battery market but also contribute to the country’s economic growth.”