Westinghouse Electric Company, a leader in the nuclear energy industry, has opened a new global engineering services hub in Waterloo Region. The new hub will leverage the region’s rich talent pool and strategic location to drive global innovation in nuclear technology.
The announcement was made in front of special guests at the new 13,000 square-foot office location in Kitchener, Ontario. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy and strengthens the region’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology. It showcases local talent, creates jobs and welcomes yet another global brand into our community.
Why Westinghouse chose Canada (and Waterloo)
The new Kitchener facility will be home to Westinghouse’s global design engineering teams dedicated to supporting the CANDU® operating fleet and international projects, as well as the global deployment of Westinghouse new build technologies – including the advanced AP1000® reactor, AP300TM small modular reactor and eVinciTM microreactor.
It will also feature high-tech training capabilities and a laboratory dedicated to advancing fire protection engineering technologies.
“We are immensely proud to continue investing in Canada and to grow our presence in this dynamic energy market,” said Patrick Fragman, Westinghouse President and CEO. “Today, Westinghouse has more than 250 employees based in Canada across a diverse range of technical and professional roles.”
“The new engineering hub in Kitchener will expand our employee base with approximately 100 additional engineers by 2025. This – coupled with our robust domestic supply chain and our proven technology offerings – uniquely positions Westinghouse to meet Canada’s clean energy needs for generations to come.”
The Kitchener location was strategically chosen for its high density of technical talent, proximity to housing, excellent access to major highways and convenient access to public transit.
“The high-quality education institutions in the area largely contributed to the location of this hub. Its proximity to the University of Waterloo, a premier engineering university in North America, and the other outstanding universities and colleges in the area provide tremendous access to the top talent in Canada,” said Nathan Lewcock, Director, Global Engineering Services at Westinghouse.
“We look forward to a strong relationship with these institutions given their strong engineering, technology and co-op programs.”
Joined by special guests
The event featured remarks from key executives, local officials and representatives from Waterloo EDC. Notable attendees included Minister Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and John Yakabuski, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Energy. Representatives from the University of Waterloo and Conestoga College were also in attendance.
“Ontario is home to the second largest tech cluster in North America, with thousands of highly talented tech workers, many located in the Kitchener-Waterloo region,” Fedeli said. “Westinghouse’s investment in their new global engineering hub in Kitchener recognizes our province’s excellence in innovation and will drive new advancements in nuclear energy technologies. We congratulate Westinghouse on this milestone and welcome their expansion within Ontario’s innovation ecosystem.”
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony. From left: David Tanel, VP Sales, Westinghouse; John Yackabuski, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario Minister of Energy; Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, City of Kitchener; Tony LaMantia, President & CEO, Waterloo EDC; Luca Oriani, Senior Vice-President, Global Chief Engineering Officer, Westinghouse; Minister Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; Patrick Fragman, CEO & President, Westinghouse.
Building on our reputation
This expansion is expected to bring big benefits to the Waterloo Region, including job creation and increased economic activity. It also strengthens the region’s reputation as an innovation hub for manufacturing and nuclear energy.
“We’re thrilled that Westinghouse has chosen to #MakeItKitchener,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, City of Kitchener. “Establishing one of its five global engineering hubs in our community – and the only one in Canada – will bring new jobs and continue an exciting chapter in our long history of innovation, collaboration and manufacturing leadership.”
Inventing the future of nuclear energy
Waterloo EDC has been instrumental in facilitating Westinghouse’s expansion to Waterloo Region. Since 2022, Waterloo EDC has supported the company throughout the site selection process, including making key connections with the University of Waterloo.
“This is the future of nuclear energy, and it starts here in Waterloo Region,” said Tony LaMantia, President & CEO of Waterloo EDC. “Westinghouse’s new engineering hub in Kitchener will drive innovation in nuclear energy, setting new standards for the industry at large. By tapping into our highly skilled, work-ready talent pool, Westinghouse is sure to make a huge and lasting impact.”
Learn more about Waterloo EDC’s complimentary expansion support and services.
" This is the future of nuclear energy, and it starts here in Waterloo Region. "
Tony LaMantia
President & CEO of Waterloo EDC
About Westinghouse Electric Company
Westinghouse Electric Company is a leading provider of nuclear plant products and services to utilities throughout the world – including fuel, service and maintenance, instrumentation and control and advanced nuclear plant designs.
Westinghouse’s connection to Canada’s nuclear industry goes back to the late 1950s, when the Hamilton, Ontario, facility manufactured equipment for Canada’s prototype CANDU reactors. Westinghouse is 100% Canadian-owned by Cameco and Brookfield Renewables.
Fueled by a team of more than 200 nuclear professionals in Canada and with 10,000 employees in 21 countries, the company is dedicated to delivering innovative nuclear energy solutions.
Read the full press release for more information, or watch the video highlights below.
We opened a global engineering hub in Kitchener, Ontario. The expansion of our Canadian presence will enhance our work at the country’s existing CANDU® nuclear reactors and develop future projects involving our advanced AP1000® reactor, AP300™ SMR and eVinci™ microreactor. pic.twitter.com/K1lPNOFB6b
— Westinghouse Nuclear (@WECNuclear) June 12, 2024
A home for growing businesses
Westinghouse’s expansion highlights the vibrant business ecosystem in Waterloo. Embarking on this new chapter will not only enhance the company’s capabilities, but it will also contribute to economic growth in our community and continue to position Waterloo as a top destination for growing businesses in clean and nuclear tech, and beyond.
For more information on how your business can join the ranks in Waterloo, get in touch with our team.