May 8, 2024 – Hitachi Energy announced it will upgrade and modernize its power transformer factory in Varennes, Que., along with other facilities in Montreal, “to address fast-growing customer demand for sustainable energy in North America”.

Worth about $140 million, the projects around Montreal will involve funding from the Government of Quebec through Investissement Québec.

“In addition to our global investments, the support of the Quebec Government will help to address North America’s rising demand for transformers to support fast-growing sectors like renewable energy, data centres, and industrial electrification […]” said Bruno Melles, managing director, Transformers, at Hitachi Energy.

The Varennes facility is Hitachi Energy’s premier manufacturing location in North America for large power transformers, says the company, supporting national and regional power grids, and serving utility-scale renewable energy projects.

The establishment of a new onsite transformer testing and certification facility is “a critical element” of the company’s efforts to meet growing demand in the province for sustainable energy solutions. The additional 130,000 square feet are expected to be completed before the end of 2027.

The manufacturing facility in Varennes has been in operation since 1971; it covers 300,000 square feet and employs around 330 people.

Aerial view of Hitachi Energy transformer factory in Varennes, Que.