ONTARIO — Siemens will invest CAD$150 million (ca. €97 million) over five years to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies Research and Development (R&D) Center for Battery Production in Canada.
The new R&D center, located initially at Siemens Canada’s head office in Oakville, as well as in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, will focus on developing cutting-edge AI manufacturing technologies with an initial emphasis on battery and electric vehicle (EV) production. It will leverage Siemens’ expertise in AI, edge computing, machine vision, digital twins, and cybersecurity to drive innovation and efficiency in battery production, while fostering collaboration with higher education institutions and battery manufacturers.
Siemens CEO Roland Busch at their office in Singapore June 15, 2023. (REUTERS/Edgar Su)
“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,” says Rainer Brehm, CEO, Factory Automation, Siemens Digital Industries. “The new R&D Center for Battery Production will position Siemens as a key player in the global battery sector, developing the critical technology advancements for the industry to meet the increasing demand for these products.”
The €97 million investment by Siemens over five years includes investments in labor, equipment, software, and ecosystem support. This initiative will further solidify Canada’s position as a leader in the green battery manufacturing sector and aligns with the Canadian government’s objectives to advance the national battery and EV ecosystem. This investment is made possible through the support of both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
“Canada is a world leader in battery manufacturing, including here at home in Oakville,” said the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Thanks to our skilled workforce and our access to global markets, Siemens is choosing Canada for its research and development center. This is great news for innovators and for our community.”
Premier of Ontario, stated, “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. I’m thrilled to welcome this investment and build on our productive partnership with Siemens, which stretches back more than a century.”
Faisal Kazi, President and CEO of Siemens Canada, stated, “The establishment of a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production in Canada will help advance Canada’s national battery and EV ecosystem and will foster collaboration with higher education institutions and battery manufacturers to innovate production in the industry. With investment from Siemens and the support of the federal and provincial governments, this initiative will not only enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global battery market but also contribute to the country’s economic growth. We thank the Canadian and Ontario governments for their support.”
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