Skip to main content
Copied to clipboard

Manufacturing

Waterloo was built on the assembly line
We’re known for tech, but for 150 years our community has embraced manufacturing. We’re home to over 1,400 automotive, aerospace and food processing companies and the robotics, automation and tech companies that make them run. Find out why Toyota, ATS Corporation, Christie and Pepsi FritoLay call Waterloo home.
BWXT Manufacturing Floor

Waterloo at a Glance

Our vibrant manufacturing ecosystem

Strategic Location

At the centre of Canada’s largest manufacturing corridor

Waterloo’s strategic location provides easy access to domestic and international markets. Our central location in southwestern Ontario provides quick access to Toronto Pearson International Airport, four additional international airports, Canada’s largest superhighway and numerous border crossings with the United States. It doesn’t matter if you’re a supplier or an OEM - you can get your products to your customers.

Proximity to markets:

  • Toronto: 100km/65mi
  • Detroit: 298km/185mi
  • Chicago: 740km/460mi
  • Boston: 870km/544mi
  • New York: 891km/553mi

Our Support Ecosystem

Discover our manufacturing ecosystem

Discover All Supports Discover All Supports

SMART Centre

Conestoga College’s SMART Centre is a regional hub for applied research to support manufacturing enterprises.

Learn More

Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Lab 

Canada’s largest additive manufacturing facility, offering advanced prototyping, material development and custom manufacturing solutions.

Learn More

Waterloo Centre For Automotive Research

WatCAR at the University of Waterloo focuses on collaborative research in automotive and transportation systems.

Learn More

They Choose Waterloo

From global leaders to the next big thing, these companies are building the future in Waterloo

Discover More Discover More

" For a manufacturer that’s looking to set up new automation there’s no better area than here in Waterloo. It is built for advanced manufacturing. You have access to some of the best engineering talent in the world. You have access to some of the best automators in the world. "

Simon Drexler

President, Samuel Automation

The best way to stay informed is to get connected

Follow us on social media