The electricity transition is often described in megawatts: more power plants, more demand and more transmission capacity. But some of its constraints are small and physical, such as the insulating material inside a transformer. In October 2026, Hitachi Energy announced plans for a C$479 million factory in London, Ontario, intended to make electrical-grade pressboard and laminates. The project illustrates a fundamental engineering lesson: the ability to build new grid capacity depends on specialized industrial supplies, not only on investment in power generation.
What is planned in London, Ontario?
Hitachi Energy announced a new transformer insulation factory in London with a planned investment of about C$479 million. According to the company, the facility would include Canada's first manufacturing line for electrical-grade pressboard and its own first such line in the Americas. It is expected to cover roughly 21,000 square metres, create more than 100 permanent skilled positions and be completed by 2028.
Canada's federal government identified C$30 million in combined support, while the Ontario government announced a conditional grant of up to C$20 million. These figures describe investment commitments and public support, not evidence of a completed factory or a guaranteed jobs outcome. Conditions, construction execution and future demand remain relevant.
Sources: Hitachi Energy invests $479 million CAD to bring critical transformer manufacturing capability to Canada · The Government of Canada announces significant investment to strengthen Canada's electricity and forest products supply chains · Hitachi Energy to build Canada's first transformer insulation factory in London, Ontario
Why pressboard matters to a transformer
A power transformer moves electrical energy between voltage levels using electromagnetic induction. It needs more than copper conductors and steel cores. Insulating barriers keep energized components appropriately separated while also helping the assembly withstand thermal and mechanical stresses during operation.
Electrical-grade pressboard and laminates are specialized insulation materials used inside transformer systems. Their quality must meet demanding standards, because a failure inside a large transformer can be difficult and costly to remedy. This is why making such material near transformer manufacturers can matter even when the finished product attracts little public attention.
Sources: Hitachi Energy invests $479 million CAD to bring critical transformer manufacturing capability to Canada · The Government of Canada announces significant investment to strengthen Canada's electricity and forest products supply chains
A supply-chain investment, not a new power plant
The Ontario project is not itself a generating station, transmission line or grid upgrade. It is a manufacturing input that could support the companies building and maintaining those systems. The distinction matters: a reliable supply of insulation does not solve every transformer shortage, but limited availability of one critical component can hold up otherwise well-funded projects.
Hitachi argues that stronger North American supply will help grid modernization and electrification. The company also cites growing electricity demand from industrial expansion and data centers. The forecast should be treated as the company's market rationale; the eventual capacity utilization and customer mix will need to be observed after commissioning.
Sources: Hitachi Energy invests $479 million CAD to bring critical transformer manufacturing capability to Canada · The Government of Canada announces significant investment to strengthen Canada's electricity and forest products supply chains
Why local production can change project risk
When a utility orders a large transformer, its schedule depends on engineering, approvals, raw materials, specialist production and shipping. Sourcing a critical insulation component from farther away can introduce delays, transport exposure and limited flexibility during an unexpected disruption. Closer manufacturing might reduce some risks and enable more direct coordination.
Domestic production is not complete self-sufficiency, however. The new facility will still rely on equipment, materials, people and an extended industrial ecosystem. More important than national labels are lead times, consistent quality, price, resilience and the ability to maintain production safely over many years.
Sources: Hitachi Energy invests $479 million CAD to bring critical transformer manufacturing capability to Canada · Hitachi Energy to build Canada's first transformer insulation factory in London, Ontario
What would prove the factory is a success?
Track the construction timetable, funding conditions, workforce training, quality certifications and commissioning progress. Once operating, useful evidence will include actual output, reliability, delivery times, supplier diversification and whether North American transformer producers experience meaningful supply improvements.
The project is a reminder that major engineering programmes are built from many less-visible components. Expanding the grid requires attention to all of them, including the material that makes large electrical equipment safe enough to operate.
Sources: Hitachi Energy invests $479 million CAD to bring critical transformer manufacturing capability to Canada · The Government of Canada announces significant investment to strengthen Canada's electricity and forest products supply chains · Hitachi Energy to build Canada's first transformer insulation factory in London, Ontario
