**Canada**: Siemens plans to invest CAD$150 million to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Centre for Battery Production in Canada, focusing on improving innovation and efficiency in EV battery production through collaboration with local institutions and manufacturers.
Siemens has announced plans to invest CAD$150 million (approximately €97 million) over a five-year period to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies Research and Development (R&D) Center for Battery Production in Canada. The centre will primarily be located at Siemens Canada’s headquarters in Oakville, with additional sites in Toronto and the Kitchener-Waterloo area of Ontario.
The focus of the new R&D centre will be on advancing AI manufacturing technologies, specifically in the realms of battery and electric vehicle (EV) production. Siemens aims to leverage its extensive expertise in areas such as AI, edge computing, machine vision, digital twins, and cybersecurity to spur innovation and improve efficiency within the battery production process. Furthermore, the centre will encourage collaboration with higher education institutions and battery manufacturers to facilitate advancements in the field.
Key expected outcomes from the activities at the R&D centre include enhanced quality consistency in battery production, increased workforce productivity and capacity, reduction of production scrap, and improvements in recycling and sustainability practices. Siemens’ initiative aligns with the Canadian government’s objective of positioning the country as a leader in global battery manufacturing.
Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens Digital Industries, noted, “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.” He further stated, “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.”
Siemens’ investment includes funding for labour, equipment, software, and support to build a thriving ecosystem around battery production. The initiative has garnered backing from both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, which has underscored its significance in solidifying Canada’s position within the green battery manufacturing sector.
The Honorable Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, remarked, “Canada is a world leader in battery manufacturing, including here at home in Oakville. Thanks to our skilled workforce and our access to global markets, Siemens is choosing Canada for its research and development centre. This is great news for innovators and for our community.”
Ontario’s Premier, Doug Ford, expressed his satisfaction with Siemens’ investment, calling it a validation of the province’s workforce and business environment. “I’m thrilled to welcome this investment and build on our productive partnership with Siemens, which stretches back more than a century,” he said.
Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the investment’s potential to create approximately 90 jobs in the province. He stated, “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.”
Faisal Kazi, President and CEO of Siemens Canada, outlined the broader implications of this initiative, stating, “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.” Kazi also expressed gratitude for the support from both the federal and provincial governments, emphasizing the potential for the investment to enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global battery market and contribute to economic growth.
The establishment of this facility marks a significant step in advancing Canada’s engagement with battery and electric vehicle production methodologies, capitalising on national strengths within the rapidly evolving sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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