OREANDA-NEWS. August 29, 2016. The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, is in Welland today for the groundbreaking ceremony for General Electric’s (GE’s) new, state-of-the-art gas engine plant.

The Minister welcomes the plant as an important contribution to Canada’s progressive trade and investment plan to create good-paying jobs, strengthen the middle class and help those working hard to join it. The Welland plant, slated to open in early 2018, is expected to initially employ 220 people.

A key factor in GE’s decision to open its new factory in Welland was the important access to support from Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s export credit agency. EDC is a central player in the government’s strategy to create jobs and grow the economy. GE also recognises Welland for its proximity to the U.S. border, good transportation links and access to skilled workers.

Quotes

“When companies like GE establish or expand businesses in Canada, they create good, middle class jobs. During an increasingly protectionist period, globally, Canada offers a competitive and stable place to invest. I’m delighted to be here to see shovels in the ground for this important, job-creating investment—and to thank GE for their continued investment in Canada.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade

“EDC has enjoyed a long-standing and positive relationship with GE; our support for the company around the world is reflected in GE’s commitment to growing its footprint in Canada. GE is a world-class company, and any investment is a positive boost for our economy. Stronger GE presence in Canada also means greater opportunities for Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises to enter the company’s global supply chain. This is a win-win for GE and Canadian business.”

- Benoit Daignault, President and CEO of EDC

Quick facts

  • The new plant will build world-class reciprocating engines and manufacture components for GE Transportation diesel engines.
  • Described by GE as a “brilliant factory,” the production facility will be expandable and will support the manufacturing requirements of the company’s other business lines.
  • Nearly one in eight jobs in Canada is linked to foreign investment.
  • Canada is open for business and successfully attracting foreign direct investment (FDI); Canada was the largest per capita recipient of FDI in the G7 from 2011 to 2015.
  • GE’s Canadian operations are headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, and employ approximately 7,000 people across the country serving the aerospace, medical technologies, power generation and oil and gas industries. GE also operates several R&D centres in Canada, including in the areas of clean technology, advanced manufacturing and robotics.
  • In January 2016, the Government of Canada announced \\$20 million for the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine, of which GE Healthcare is a partner. The Centre is a valuable contributor to the life sciences ecosystem in Canada.