Ontario Construction News staff writer
International space mission partner and robotics pioneer MDA has announced plans for a purpose-built global headquarters and Centre of Excellence for Space Robotics in Brampton.
“This new facility will be home to our growing team and will further unlock the potential of our world-class engineering and space mission expertise, while allowing us to bring to market a full suite of innovative commercial space robotics products that leverage Canadarm3 technology,” said Mike Greenley, CEO at MDA.
The 200,000 square-foot building, home to Canadarm3, will feature state-of-the-art labs, manufacturing, research and development, and assembly, integration and test facilities. The Centre of Excellence at MDA will house a unique Space Robotics Mission Control Centre, enabling MDA to provide critical on-orbit operations capabilities to commercial and government customers worldwide.
The provincial government will contribute $25 million to the project and MDA will invest $100 over five years. The new centre will be the home for the design, development and manufacture of the iconic and industry-leading Canadarm3.
“Ontario is home to the brightest talent and a thriving innovation ecosystem that make projects with incredible companies like MDA, a global leader in the space robotics industry, possible,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Today’s investment will strengthen Ontario’s vibrant advanced technology sector, create exciting new jobs and ensure that scientific breakthroughs will continue to be made in our province.”
The facility will be designed by HOK Architects.
“Brampton is in the midst of an exciting transformation, and together with our partners, we are developing our city into a major innovation hub,” said Mayor Patrick Brown.
“That MDA has again selected Brampton as the home to its new headquarters speaks to our city emerging as a global leader in innovation and technology. We are honoured to have them here and look forward to the economic impact this will have on our community.”
MDA has been in Brampton for more than 50 years and will be joining industry leading corporate neighbours including Medtronic, Canon, Air Canada, Loblaw and the Kaneff Group at its new site.
“Kaneff’s land offering is exemplary in that it is situated amid world class businesses, near two 400-series highways and Pearson Airport, located within a half hour’s drive of downtown Toronto, and notably provides vistas of Streetsville Glen Golf Club,” said Anna-Maria Kaneff, executive vice president.
“The Kaneff Group is honoured to partner with the MDA team, architect HOK, and the City of Brampton to develop MDA’s world class headquarters, and to further advance investment and economic development in the City of Brampton.”