Manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Manufacturing is the backbone of Waterloo’s economy

Our global reputation is in tech, but our foundation is in manufacturing. Waterloo is home to 1,400+ manufacturing companies working in automotive, aerospace and food processing. In our community, you’ll find global companies like Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and Siemens alongside homegrown innovators like Clearpath Robotics, ATS Automation and Christie Digital.

Canada’s largest robotics and automation cluster

The strengths that have made Waterloo a global technology hub have also made our community a leader in cutting-edge robotics and automation. In total, 90+ Waterloo-based robotics and automation companies are working in areas such as mechanical design, machine vision, controls system integration, automation integration and robotics integration.

Workforce and expertise to help manufacturers grow

The University of Waterloo is home to Canada’s largest engineering department, with programs in mechatronics engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Conestoga College is the only college in Ontario offering fully accredited engineering degrees, with a particular focus on automation and advanced manufacturing.

Waterloo also has a large experienced manufacturing workforce. In total, about 18% of our total workforce is employed in manufacturing.

Our community is also home to a wide array of research centres and institutes that partner with manufacturers to drive new innovations, including the SMART Centre at Conestoga College, and the University of Waterloo’s RoboHub, Centre for Advanced Materials Joining and Institute for Polymer Research.

Canada’s manufacturing heartland and the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor

Waterloo is at the heart of Canada’s most productive manufacturing cluster. Stretching 400km/250mi, this massive corridor – which follows the 401 superhighway – includes some of the world’s largest manufacturers, including Bombardier, 3M, Ford Motor Company, Linamar and more. Waterloo’s central location means we’re close to thousands of manufacturers and suppliers across the manufacturing corridor working in automotive, aerospace, food processing, pharmaceuticals and more.

Waterloo is also a key partner in the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, which is the second largest technology cluster in North America and one of the world’s top tech hubs. Within this area you’ll find 9,700 tech companies, including 2,000+ startups and nearly 300,000 tech workers. This unique combination of technology and manufacturing expertise makes Waterloo an ideal location for advanced manufacturing companies looking to grow and innovate.

Some advanced manufacturing companies that are located here include: