CES Transformers opens manufacturing facility in Markham, Ontario
CES Transformers has opened a significantly expanded manufacturing facility in Markham, Ont., a move the company and government officials say is intended to strengthen the domestic energy supply chain as electricity demand rises across Canada.
The 160,000-square-foot plant, which officially opened Jan. 13, is expected to create more than 150 advanced manufacturing jobs in the Markham area by 2030. The company says the facility will more than triple its current production capacity for distribution and small power transformers, equipment that underpins everything from industrial operations to community power systems.
“This is a good day for our company and for the North American energy market,” said Adam Byrk, president of CES Transformers. “Canada’s electricity demand is projected to double or even triple by 2050, and meeting that challenge requires a strong, domestic supply chain. Our expanded facility ensures we can deliver customized, high-quality transformers right here at home—supporting customers, creating jobs, and strengthening the grid for decades to come.”
The expansion comes as utilities and large industrial users prepare for growing loads driven by electrification, digital infrastructure and population growth. For health and safety leaders, pressure on the grid and key components like transformers can translate into operational risk, potential reliability concerns and an increased focus on maintenance and asset integrity programs.
Federal officials framed the project as part of a broader effort to reinforce energy security and keep pace with the infrastructure requirements of a low-carbon and increasingly digital economy.
“Growing demand for affordable, reliable, clean electricity means we need a resilient domestic supply chain now more than ever,” said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Markham–Thornhill. “CES Transformers’ expanded Markham facility is exactly the kind of investment our new federal government supports: creating good, skilled jobs; strengthening local energy security; and ensuring we have the infrastructure needed to power our economy for decades to come.”
The Government of Canada has provided $3.75 million through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to support the company’s expanded manufacturing capabilities for high-efficiency power transformers at the new site.
“Congratulations to CES Transformers. This impressive, new 160,000-square-foot facility is about more than machines and technology - it is about creating good jobs in Canada, opportunities for families, and stronger communities across southern Ontario,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Our government understands how critical power transformers are to the energy sector, powering AI and our communities. Together we will help power Ontario and Canada for decades to come.”
Ontario officials highlighted the role of domestic manufacturers in supporting a reliable and self-reliant grid as provincial electricity demand grows.
“Ontario needs foundational manufacturers like CES Transformers to meet the rapidly growing electricity demand in our province with made-in-Canada solutions,” said the Honourable Sam Oosterhoff, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. “This newly expanded facility will not only address the need for small power transformers in our energy supply chain, but will create more good-paying jobs and support our economy while making our goal of securing a reliable and self-reliant grid a reality.”
In recent years, a shortage of transformers has been identified as a key bottleneck in energy projects, delaying upgrades and new builds. CES says it has invested close to $100 million to help address that gap and support energy demand in North America.
For nearly 40 years, the family-owned firm has supplied liquid-immersed distribution and small and medium power transformers to utility and industrial customers. As electrification accelerates, health and safety leaders in those sectors are likely to face continued scrutiny on equipment reliability, safe commissioning and maintenance practices, and the resilience of critical energy assets that support their operations.
