For more than a century, BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) has been a key player in Ontario’s clean energy industry, helping to build one of the world’s greenest power grids.
Powered largely by nuclear energy, the Canadian province produces more than 92% of its energy through zero-carbon sources.
Ontario’s clean energy story wouldn’t be complete without BWXT Canada. Headquartered in Cambridge, one of the cities in Waterloo Region, the company has thrived in our community for over a century. With a new $80M expansion announcement in 2024, the company is reinforcing its local roots while advancing Canada’s clean energy leadership.
We spoke with Monifa Miller, Senior Director Corporate Affairs and Enterprise Initiatives at BWXT Canada, to learn more about the company’s growth and its deepening roots in our community.
Expanding footprint in Waterloo
Originally from the U.S., BWXT came to Canada more than century ago. Our region’s strong industrial and supplier network, a long history of manufacturing expertise and proximity to rail and highway networks provided the perfect foundation for the company’s continued success.
Today, the Waterloo facility is one of North America’s leading commercial nuclear manufacturing plants. “In this plant we have more than 800 employees designing and building large, complex components for nuclear power, such as steam generators. We’ve manufactured more than 300 steam generators here,” shares Miller.
As the province’s demand for electricity is expected to grow by 75 percent by 2050, BWXT’s role in supporting this demand is also expanding. In 2024, the company announced a $50M investment to expand its Cambridge facility by 25%, adding over 200 new, long-term jobs and supporting projects like Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s life extension and Darlington Nuclear Generating Station’s Small Modular Reactor.
An additional $30M investment will go towards establishing a 150,000 square-foot facility in Kitchener (another of Waterloo Region’s cities). This new facility will focus on advanced training and innovation to drive the future of CANDU nuclear technology.
" BWXT’s success in Waterloo comes down to a few key things – innovation, talent, strong partnerships and a real commitment to our community "
Monifa Miller
Senior Director Corporate Affairs and Enterprise Initiatives at BWXT Canada
Powering growth with local talent
It’s no coincidence that BWXT continues to grow in our region. The rich talent pool coming from local post-secondary institutes offers a unique blend of technical expertise, an innovative mindset and hands-on experience rarely found in many regions.
“BWXT enhances its competitiveness by employing top quality local talent and investing in advanced manufacturing,” says Miller. “We leverage the highly skilled workforce, a robust supplier network and strong infrastructure available in this region to deliver high-quality nuclear components and services, helping our customers achieve their clean energy goals.”
This is why BWXT is establishing an advanced training facility in this region to accelerate technology development and support the company’s growth.
As part of its growth strategy, the company is continually looking for a wide range of professionals and skilled trades. “We are actively recruiting for a number of roles to help us deliver exciting projects that will have a lasting impact on current and future generations.” BWXT’s careers page has more details on active job postings.
Deepening the roots in community
Beyond driving the future of Canada’s nuclear technology, BWXT’s success is deeply rooted in its strong community connections. “We take pride in building strong, lasting relationships with both the industry and the communities where we operate,” says Miller.
From hiring local talent to supporting initiatives like the Skills Ontario Competition, the company is helping equip students with the skills and experience needed to build careers in advanced manufacturing and nuclear energy.
BWXT is also a long-time supporter of one of the local hospitals, contributing to essential healthcare services, equipment and patient care initiatives.
Being a long-standing member of our community, BWXT understands that its connection to the region is a key driver of its long-term success. “Our commitment extends to other local charities, community events and programs that make a meaningful impact in the region,” adds Miller.
These deep community roots not only reflect BWXT’s values, but also what keeps the company thriving and proudly anchored in Waterloo.
Fueling a clean energy future
With the demand for clean energy on the rise, BWXT’s growing presence in Waterloo proves that when talent, innovation and community meet, success is inevitable. By leveraging local strengths, BWXT is fueling a cleaner and more sustainable future for Canada and beyond.
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