Technology giant Siemens has announced plans to invest $150 million over five years to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies Research and Development (R&D) Center for Battery Production at its Canadian headquarters in Oakville.

Work at the facility will focus on developing cutting-edge AI manufacturing technologies with an initial emphasis on battery and electric vehicle (EV) production.

The investment is expected to create as many as 90 new jobs and play an important role in strengthening Ontario’s EV battery supply chain.

“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 Premier Doug Ford. “I’m thrilled to welcome this investment and build on our productive partnership with Siemens, which stretches back more than a century.”

Once operational, the centre will leverage collaborations between battery manufacturers and universities to upskill the province’s auto workforce.

Expected outcomes of the work to be conducted at the R&D centre include higher, consistent quality in battery production, increased workforce productivity and capacity, reduction of battery scrap, and improved recycling and circularity.

"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,” said Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens Digital Industries. “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."

The Ontario government has provided $7.2 million in funding through its Invest Ontario Fund to support the project.