A manufacturer of aerospace and industrial systems praised by Canada’s defence minister has plans to relocate its Ontario operation to Poland in 2027
Woodward Inc. on Tuesday informed employees at its facility in Peterborough, Ont., that it has decided to close the facility and transition production to one of its facilities in Krakow, Poland
The closure will be completed by the end of August 2027, impacting about 165 employees
Woodward, headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo., has facilities around the world. It acquired the Peterborough facility from Safran in July 2025 and uses it to produce specialized electromechancial systems for a
“After reviewing operations, financial goals, and anticipated customer demand, we determined the Peterborough site is not suited to support future growth,” the company issued in a statement to Global News late Tuesday afternoon
“The facility is scheduled to close on Aug. 31, 2027. We recognize the real impact this move has on the people working at our Peterborough site and are committed to managing the transition thoughtfully and respectfully, as well as in line with our obligations.”
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The announcement contrasts the outlook federal defence minister David McGuinty and Peterborough MP Emma Harrison gave when they visited the facility in November 2025. McGuinty, touting the increased spending on defence in the federal budget, noted the facility was one with potential for growth
Woodward says production of the Peterborough facility will move in phases to the Krakow facility, which the company says has the capacity to support the work and its long-term operational needs
“The location is also well-located for serving European customers and has proximity to key suppliers,” the company stated. “Engineering support currently based in Peterborough will move to Krakow and Sofia, Bulgaria.”
Woodward says it has informed the union representing members who are part of the bargaining unit in Peterborough
“We will continue to engage with the union in good faith and in accordance with applicable laws,” the company said
In a statement on Wednesday, Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal says he’s “deeply disappointed” but also says news of the announcement took the city by surprise
He say that earlier this week, the city and company were coordinating a site visit by provincial stakeholders. He also highlighted Woodward was actively involved in the June launch of the Peterborough Aerospace and Defence Cluster
“Woodward is a member of that collaboration of local businesses and organizations,” said Leal. “We were taken by surprise by Woodward’s announcement that it will relocate production to Poland.”
Leal says the city, Fleming College and the Ministry of Labour are working to help the affected employees transition to new jobs
“At that recent Peterborough Aerospace and Defence Cluster meeting, we heard from several businesses that are looking to hire specific skillsets in this area,” said Leal. “I’m hopeful that the affected Woodward employees who want to stay in this region can land with one of the other employers that are hiring highly skilled employees in that sector.”
Leal also noted last week’s announcement by Fairbanks Morse Defense that it had finalized its acquisition of the Rolls-Royce Naval Handling facility in Peterborough, which will serve as the company’s Canadian headquarters
“We’re seeing investment and growth in the defence industrial sector,” said Leal. “Woodward’s decision is disappointing. Over the next year as Woodward moves its operations, we’ll work with all our partners to support the transition for the affected employees.”
