Ontario Selects GTHA Manufacturers to Build G7’s First Small Modular Reactor at Darlington

large heavy steel structural components and an industrial power transformer being assembled inside a busy manufacturing warehouse with concrete materials nearby

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

Ontario Advances Small Modular Reactor Construction with Local Manufacturers

The Ontario government has announced the awarding of contracts to 12 manufacturers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) for Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). This initiative marks the construction of the G7’s first small modular reactor (SMR) and is a key part of the province’s plan to support the local economy amid ongoing U.S. tariffs.

Key Contracts Awarded to GTHA Companies

These contracts, aimed at supplying critical nuclear components such as pumps, transformers, and specialized steel, will add more than $110 million to Ontario’s GDP. The provincial government expects the agreements to create new jobs, sustain existing ones, and strengthen the nuclear supply chain within Ontario. The contracts also open new market opportunities for sectors affected by tariffs.

Major Manufacturers Involved

Northern Transformer (Maple): Receives $4 million to supply power transformers, supporting voltage upgrades for the reactor and local employment.
St. Marys Cement (Toronto): Secures $50.2 million in contracts to provide concrete and operate a specialized wet batch plant for DNNP, creating 19 new jobs.
Curtiss-Wright Nuclear Canada (Newmarket): Awarded $8.9 million to provide airlocks, enhancing facility safety and job support in the region.
Promation (Oakville): Will deliver a Fine Motion Control Rod Drive (FMCRD) platform under a $3.9 million contract, resulting in four new regional jobs.
Smith & Long (Markham): Wins a $14.6 million contract for both temporary and permanent electrical power systems, creating seven jobs.
WillScot (Gormley): Receives $10.7 million to provide a trailer complex for construction teams, creating 25 jobs.
Hooper Welding (Oakville): Supplies steel for Diaphragm Plate Steel Composite modules under a $1.7 million contract, supporting local positions.
Aquatec (Maple): Awarded $1.7 million for wastewater treatment services, supporting jobs in the area.
Armstrong Fluid Technology (Toronto): Provides pumps and pumphouse enclosure with a $3.9 million contract, aiding local employment.
ASI Marine (Hamilton): Assists tunnel-boring operations under a $9.2 million contract, supporting jobs in Hamilton.
Clyde Union Canada (Celeros Flow Technology) (Burlington): Delivers a $300,000 contract for pump and motor supply, creating 15 new jobs.
Arkbro Industries (Mississauga): Gets $1.6 million to supply a gantry tower for the transformer yard, helping sustain jobs in the region.

Darlington New Nuclear Project: Progress and Economic Impact

The DNNP continues to advance, having recently achieved significant milestones—most notably, the placement of the 2.1-million-pound reactor basement, which is recognized as Canada’s first new nuclear foundation in over 30 years. Construction is ongoing for the reactor and turbine buildings and associated infrastructure for all four planned SMR units.

The Ontario government has collaborated with OPG to ensure that 80 percent of project spending benefits Ontario companies. This approach is designed to localize the economic impact, boost the provincial economy, and support thousands of skilled trades, manufacturers, and workers.

Strengthening Ontario’s Nuclear Supply Chain

By awarding these contracts within Ontario, the government looks to reinforce the province’s nuclear supply chain and open new business opportunities for industries affected by international trade dynamics. The DNNP is positioned as a generational investment, setting a precedent for SMR technology in both Ontario and the broader G7 community.

Looking Ahead for Ontario Manufacturers

The involvement of these GTHA companies in the Darlington New Nuclear Project highlights Ontario’s commitment to nurturing local expertise in nuclear construction and component supply. As SMR technology continues to progress, the province anticipates continued job creation, economic growth, and new market opportunities for Ontario manufacturers.