PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (Toronto) has started work on a new $165 million GE multi-modal “Brilliant Factory” in Welland.
GE says in a news release that the factory will combine decades of experience building innovative industrial machines with cutting-edge data science and analytics expertise to enhance efficiency and streamline production.
“As GE’s construction management partner, PCL is honoured to celebrate construction start and we congratulate GE and partners on their inspiring vision which is bringing investment to the Niagara Region,” said Mike Wieninger, PCL Toronto senior vice-president and district manager.
“In collaboration with our valued partners, we look forward to delivering this first-of-its-kind facility in Canada that will couple the company’s long history of industrial innovation with cutting-edge data science and analytics expertise,” Wieninger said.
The prime consultant team for the project includes:
- Architects: CSO Architects in joint venture with B+H Architects
- Construction manager: PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
- Structural consultant: Entuitive/Thornton Tomasetti
- Mechanical/electrical consultant: H.H. Angus & Associates Ltd.
- Site services: Lea Consulting Ltd.
The plant will initially manufacture GE Power’s reciprocating gas engines, components for compression, mechanical drive, and power generation, and manufacture components for GE transportation diesel engines. The multi-modal design enables future production expansion for other GE global businesses including power, oil and gas, and transportation.
“Here, we will run three-dimensional machining simulations for CNC programs, gain real-time analytics to better understand the operating conditions of a machine or a test cell, install lights-out machining, and combine all with advanced lean manufacturing practices,” said Heiner Markhoff, president and CEO of GE Water and Distributed Power Business.
Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne attended the ground breaking with municipal and company officials and Chrystia Freeland, federal Minister of International Trade.