winnipeg manufacturing industry information

Key Industries

Advanced Manufacturing

Winnipeg is Western Canada’s hub for Advanced Manufacturing. We have the largest centre for transportation manufacturing in North America which is also fast becoming a leader in technologies to cut greenhouse gas emissions. We boast a stable system of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers. We also have an expanding garment manufacturing sector and lead the way in Industry 4.0 technologies and training. In 2018, our manufacturing companies exported more than $10.5 billion goods worldwide.

NFI Group, Boeing Canada, Price Industries, Precision ADM and Canada Goose are just a few of the internationally successful companies in thriving in Winnipeg because of our:

Highly skilled labour force
Low-cost renewable electricity
Manufacturing tax credits
Agile transportation and logistics infrastructure

Manufacturing Growth

Companies can innovate and grow here because of strong partnerships between industry, private sector, educational institutions and the government. We set the stage for growth through:

The largest research and development (R&D) tax credit in Canada, the Manitoba Research and Development Tax Credit, which is administered through the Province of Manitoba.
Cutting-edge training for students and industry research with Red River College’s Centre of Aerospace Technology & Training facility. More information on how we prepare the next generation for this fast-paced industry can be found here.
Helping companies research and develop prototypes for new composite applications through the renowned CIC Engineering (formerly Composites Innovation Centre).

Winnipeg Success Stories

NFI Group Inc.

Founded in Winnipeg, NFI is the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America. NFI recently purchased Alexander Dennis, a market-leading bus and coach manufacturer.

$546,000,000 / 2019

Canada Goose

Canada Goose opened its third clothing factory in Winnipeg in the fall of 2018. This new factory measures 128,000 square-feet and is creating 700 new jobs.

$18,500,000 / 2018

Precision ADM

Precision ADM is a global engineering and additive manufacturing (AM) solutions provider. In 2018, the company announced an investment in three metal additive manufacturing machines made by EOS. The acquisition increases Precision ADM’s additive manufacturing capacity and capability, making it the largest direct metal laser sintering additive manufacturer in Canada with ISO 13485:2016 Quality Management System certification.

Pollard Banknote

Pollard Banknote produces high quality instant ticket product and licensed games. With its purchase of Schafer Systems, Pollard Banknote has expanded their capacity and market share in the industry.

$30,600,000 / 2018

WinPak Ltd.

Winpak manufactures and distributes high-quality packaging materials and related packaging machines. The company expanded its nylon film facility of subsidiary American Biaxis Inc. to increase annual production to 31 million pounds (14 million kilograms) of biaxially oriented polyamide.

$40,000,000 / 2017

Fast FactsSource: Conference Board of Canada (2017), Statistics Canada (2017)

$18.6B

Total Revenue
(Manitoba, 2017)
1,454

Total Business Establishments
(2018)
42,400

Total Employment
(Winnipeg CMA, 2018)
$6.5B

Total GDP
(Manitoba, 2017)

Four Largest Sub-sector RevenuesSource: Statistics Canada (2017)

$1.9B

Machinery Manufacturing
$5.2B

Food Manufacturing
$1.6B

Chemical Manufacturing
$3.0B

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

Research & Development

Key Network

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

The vision of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is to address all current and future needs of manufacturers through a range of both existing and new resources. As a network hub, CME works as a catalyst, promoter and facilitator of these connections, making Manitoba a leading manufacturing and exporting location. CME helps companies find new efficiencies in their work place and provides lean training through kaizen events.

Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing

Formed in 2017, The Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) is dedicated to advanced digital manufacturing research and development, as well as competency and infrastructure growth for industry 4.0 in Manitoba. Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and Economic Development Winnipeg lead CAM which is also supported by WestCaRD.

Key Companies

YES! Winnipeg Investors

PCL Construction

PCL Construction Canada Inc. has constructed some of Manitoba’s most well-known buildings, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Manitoba Hydro Place and the new True North Square.