Minister Bains welcomes $90-million innovation investment in Canada

Swiss engineering firm ABB to establish North American research and development facility in Montréal

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadians will develop next-generation solutions for electric vehicles as a result of a $90-million investment by Swiss engineering firm ABB, which is establishing a new headquarters and research and development centre in Montréal.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, welcomed the investment after meeting in Davos with Ulrich Spiesshofer, President and Chief Executive Officer of ABB.

The new Montréal headquarters, set to open in 2017, will maintain 700 jobs and consolidate ABB's research and development, manufacturing, assembly and testing facilities under one roof. The new facility will also house the company's North American Centre for Excellence in e-Mobility, which will focus on developing energy-management solutions for electric buses and trains.

This investment will put Canada on the map in a number of emerging technologies, such as robotics and Internet-connected devices, that will power the industrial systems of the future.

The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that drives economic growth and leads to better skills, jobs and opportunities for all Canadians.

Minister Bains and Dr. Spiesshofer discussed additional ABB investment opportunities in research and development related to the Internet of Things, robotics and the automation of food processing. The Minister expressed his commitment to ongoing engagement with ABB on investment opportunities that will strengthen Canada's innovation ecosystem and create jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Quotes

"When global companies look to invest, many seek the most innovative countries—the ones with the most creative and entrepreneurial people who can turn ideas into solutions. ABB's decision to select Canada for its flagship North American operations is a clear vote of confidence in the talent and expertise of highly skilled Canadians. As a result of this investment, Canadians will develop next-generation industrial systems and the skills needed for the jobs of the future."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"As a pioneering technology leader, ABB is helping its customers unlock value from digitalization and the Energy and Fourth Industrial revolutions. With its excellent universities and associated ecosystem, Canada provides all the right ingredients for research and development needed to develop global technology platforms. There are huge opportunities in making transportation systems smarter and greener. At ABB, we want to run the world without consuming the Earth."
– Ulrich Spiesshofer, President and Chief Executive Officer, ABB

Quick facts

ABB (ASEA Brown Boveri), a Fortune 500 company, is a multinational engineering firm headquartered in Switzerland.
ABB is a top Swiss investor in Canada. The company generates annual revenues of $2 billion and employs more than 4,500 Canadians in 50 locations across the country.

Associated links

Follow Minister Bains on social media.
Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Philip Proulx, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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