Global electrification leader Hitachi Energy has announced a significant expansion of its North American operations with the definitive agreement to acquire Canduct Group, a London-based manufacturer of critical transformer insulation components. The strategic move aims to address a key bottleneck in the region’s power grid infrastructure supply chain, coinciding with increased federal investment in electricity generation and rising demand across the continent. The acquisition, expected to be completed by early the third calendar quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, will integrate Canduct’s 40-year legacy of manufacturing expertise and its workforce of over 300 employees into Hitachi Energy’s global network. According to Hitachi, Canduct has been a trusted supplier to Hitachi Energy for more than two decades, making this acquisition a natural progression to enhance integrated supply chain capabilities. This investment arrives at a crucial juncture for North America’s energy sector. Projections indicate a 70 per cent surge in electricity demand by 2035, with Canadian electricity generation capacity needing to significantly expand — between 2.2 to 3.4 times larger by 2050 under net-zero scenarios. The acquisition of Canduct is designed to strengthen regional capacity for essential transformer components, thereby accelerating the delivery of grid infrastructure vital for this growth. The purchase price for Canduct was not identified. “Hitachi Energy is strengthening its leadership in transformer insulation through this strategic expansion in North America,” said CEO of Hitachi Energy’s Business Unit Transformers Bruno Melles. “By acquiring Canduct Group, we are expanding regional capabilities, strengthening supply chains for insulation kits and components, and supporting the growing demand for electrification across the region.” Locally, the deal secures over 300 jobs in London, with Hitachi Energy indicating plans for “long-term growth.” The announcement follows a recent city council approval of a by-law that paves the way for Hitachi Energy to purchase 32 acres of land in the Huron Industrial Park, located on Huron Street just east of Clarke Road. Hitachi has not yet detailed its specific plans for this new property.
