A leading manufacturer of power transformers will invest $4 million to expand its existing Markham facility and upgrade its equipment so it can increase production, a move that will create 80 new jobs.
By expanding its facility, CES Transformers will be able to scale production to meet growing demand for transformers, which are the devices used to transmit electrical power from one circuit to another.
As a result, Ontario companies will be able to source their products locally instead of from outside the country. The total expansion price tag includes about $610,000 in provincial funding from the Regional Development Program’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Competitiveness (AMIC) stream.
“Choosing to invest back into Ontario was important to CES Transformers,” says CES Transformers President Chris Espielithies. “The AMIC grant from the Government of Ontario has allowed us to focus on taking on a larger role in supporting the demand of the electrical grid. We are proud of our role in supporting infrastructure growth throughout our communities and cities.”
CES Transformers was established three decades ago with a vision to become a leader in the manufacturing of distribution and power transformers. Its manufacturing capabilities include a wide range of transformers up to 15 MVA, 72kV, 350 BIL. The company works on large-scale projects with municipal hydro companies in Canada, contractors, engineering firms, the renewable energy sector, infrastructure development and international governments.
“This expansion enhances local production capacity, reinforces our economy and underlines our government’s commitment to homegrown manufacturing excellence,” says Markham-Thornhill MP Logan Kanapathi. “We are proud to support initiatives like CES Transformers, boosting innovation and fostering economic growth for a brighter future.”
The provincial government launched the Regional Development Program for Eastern and Southwestern Ontario in November 2019 to offer businesses and municipalities financial support and guided access to services and supports. It reports it has provided more than $100 million to date to support more than 90 projects through the program, leveraging more than $1 billion in new investments and helping to create more than 2,100 jobs.
In 2022, it created the AMIC stream of the program to support advanced manufacturers across the province – including those in the automotive, aerospace, chemical, life sciences and steel sectors – to invest in the equipment, technologies and skilled workers needed to grow, improve competitiveness and create jobs.
“Our government is working diligently to create a more competitive business landscape in Ontario and I’m pleased to see companies like CES Transformers are taking note,” Markham-Stouffville MP Paul Calandra says. “This $4-million investment and resulting 80 new jobs will continue to strengthen the local economy in Markham.”
Applications for the latest round of the AMIC stream are open until September 14.
