VARENNES (QUEBEC), CANADA — In October 2021, the factory was able to look back on 50 years of experience in large power transformer manufacturing.
Hitachi Energy’s large power transformer plant located in Varennes (Quebec) is celebrating 50 years of serving the industry. From its small beginnings with 100 employees in 1971 the plant has grown to 300 employees today, covering an area of almost 30,000 m2 (over 300,000 square feet)
Through an ongoing collaboration between the engineers in Varennes and engineers employed by the various Hitachi Energy facilities throughout the world, the factory designs, engineers, and manufactures a vast range of high-quality transformers, including large power step-up transformers for power plants, auto-transformers with very high voltage, shunt reactors, transformers for static compensators and transformers for high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. The transformer’s power capacity ranges from 25 to 1200 MVA and operating voltages reaching as high as 800 kV, making them some of the largest in the world.
“It’s through solid processes and the intense passion for serving our customers that has allowed us to be a leader over the last 50 years,” said Steve McKinney, Senior VP and Head of the Transformer Business in North America for Hitachi Energy. “The team has accumulated decades of experience, setting the standards of excellence in North America and throughout the world,” he went on to say.
To date, the factory has produced more than 2,250 power transformers and nearly 400 shunt reactors, helping to provide and regulate electricity flowing from one city to another. These transformers transmit power from generating stations to thousands of homes and businesses that depend on the supply of reliable electricity.
To celebrate this milestone and the company’s dedication to sustainability, the Varennes team have announced that they will be planting 50 trees on their factory grounds as a legacy for future generations. The first tree was planted to recognize retired employee Danielle Beauregard, who had had more than 40 years of service and who had greatly contributed to Varennes’ involvement in the local community.
In the presence of Varennes’ Mayor and facility team, Danielle had the honor of throwing the first shovel of dirt and unwrapping the commemorative plaque. The other 49 Varennes noteworthy team members, like Danielle, will also be recognized during the year with a planting of a tree in their name.
“Varennes’ success is a direct result of its talented and dedicated employees. We’re proud to have numerous team members who have been with us for more than 20 years with a number of recent retirees with over 40 years of service,” said Chadi Tannous, Varennes Factory Manager, Hitachi Energy. “Accordingly, we work hard to recruit employees across all disciplines that have attained a high level of knowledge and expertise in their given field. What this means for the customer is experience on every job that rivals any in the industry.”
Source: Hitachi Energy