The new facility will harness artificial intelligence manufacturing technologies to enhance EV battery production

Siemens Canada is setting up a new artificial intelligence battery research and development centre in Ontario, according to an announcement today.

The Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Centre will leverage Siemens’ expertise to advance electric vehicle battery efficiency and production methods.

Additionally, the centre (initially located at Siemens’ Oakville, Ont., headquarters) will foster partnerships between battery manufacturers and universities to pilot research outcomes and support workforce development in Ontario’s automotive sector.

“The decision to choose Canada as home for our Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Centre was driven by Canada’s highly qualified talent and strong collaborations with world-leading universities,” says Rainer Brehm, CEO of factory automation at Siemens Digital Industries.

“The new R&D Centre 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 centre’s initiatives will focus on improving battery production quality and consistency, increasing workforce productivity and capacity, reducing waste and better battery recycling and circularity.

Boosting the battery sector

Siemens is investing $150 million into the Ontario battery facility over the next five years. Meanwhile, the Ontario government is contributing a $7.2 million forgivable loan through the Invest Ontario Fund (subject to reaching a definitive agreement).

“With investment from Siemens and the support of the provincial and federal governments, this initiative will not only enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global battery market but also contribute to the country’s economic growth,” says Faisal Kazi, president and CEO of Siemens Canada.

Ontario’s premier, Doug Ford, says Siemens’ decision to invest is a testament to the province’s strengths.

“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 EV supply chain,” said Ford in a statement.

The R&D centre will create up to 90 highly skilled jobs.

“Thanks to our world-class workforce and competitive business environment, Ontario continues to be a global destination for investment and job creation, particularly in our EV and EV battery sector,” says Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade.

Since 2020, Ontario has attracted more than $46 billion in new investments from global automakers, making the province a key player in the EV supply chain.