Hitachi Rail Invests Over $100 Million to Expand Toronto Operations
Toronto, ON — Ontario’s tech and transportation sectors are set to gain a significant boost as Hitachi Rail announces an investment exceeding $100 million to expand its operations in Toronto. This initiative will enhance the company’s global communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling technology, integrating advanced tools such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and cloud computing.
The investment will support the growth of Hitachi Rail’s engineering centre at its York Mills office, creating over 100 new jobs in research and development and engineering. The Ontario government is contributing $4.5 million through the Invest Ontario Fund to support this project.
This afternoon, we joined @HitachiRailENG in #NorthYork to celebrate the expansion of their engineering centre in #Toronto.
Their $100M investment will create 100 new, good-paying jobs, and drive the development of next-generation technologies right here, in Ontario!
Learn… pic.twitter.com/j1Itvi7SvA
— Victor Fedeli (@VictorFedeli) November 25, 2024
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, highlighted the province’s role in fostering innovation. “As one of the largest and most sought-after tech hubs in North America, Ontario is driving the development of next-generation technologies that will strengthen economic growth across key sectors, including automation and transportation,” he said.
Hitachi Rail, headquartered in the United Kingdom, employs more than 1,200 people across its Canadian operations, with 1,000 of them based in Ontario. The company’s SelTrac™ system, a cutting-edge urban rail signalling technology developed in Ontario, will benefit from this investment, further cementing the province’s reputation as a leader in smart mobility.
Ziad Rizk, Managing Director of Urban Rail Signalling at Hitachi Rail, called the expansion a pivotal moment for the company. He noted that integrating AI, 5G, and edge computing would improve urban rail operations worldwide, enhancing efficiency and passenger experiences.
The Ontario government has been focused on attracting technology investments, with tens of billions of dollars secured over the past three and a half years. The province’s competitive business environment, skilled workforce, and state-of-the-art R&D facilities make it a top destination for domestic and international companies.
This latest investment reinforces Ontario’s position as a global leader in advanced transportation and technology, while creating new opportunities for economic growth and innovation.
