Bilton assists Canadian Pacific Hydrogen Locomotive Programme with fabrication expertise

Bilton assists Canadian Pacific Hydrogen Locomotive Programme with fabrication expertise


Bilton Welding and Manufacturing Ltd., a progressive custom manufacturer in Central Alberta employing upwards of 200 tradespeople, technologists, engineers, and office professionals, is providing fabrication expertise and services to Canadian Pacific’s Hydrogen Locomotive Program. The program has successfully converted a diesel locomotive to a hydrogen-electric drivetrain with zero carbon emissions, with plans for additional locomotive conversions. The goal of CP’s programme is to play a leading role in decarbonising the freight transportation sector.

CP has contracted with Bilton from the beginning of this groundbreaking project on many challenging design and fabrication components that arise from converting a diesel-powered locomotive to a hydrogen-powered locomotive. All aspects of this project were completed at the manufacturing facilities of Bilton in Innisfail, AB.

Ashley Gorr, Bilton VP Organisational Effectiveness stated “Working with CP has allowed us to showcase our drive towards continuous development of sustainability practices and local entrepreneurship within our community. Projects this unique in nature allow us to attract quality candidates that can think creatively and have ambition to take part in meaningful projects that help promote sustainability, whether it is in the environment or the economy.”

Bilton looks forward to continuing its collaboration with CP to refine the locomotive conversion process, with plans to take part in several more locomotive projects.

Robert Bilton, Bilton President and CEO noted “We are pleased to be working with industry leading corporations like CP in our community. The Town of Innisfail has been very supportive of our business’s growth and developments over the past 30 years, and we are proud to call Innisfail our home. Most recently, the Town of Innisfail has been integral in the implementation of our rail spur, which provides rail access to our facilities and others within our industrial quadrant of town. I would like to give a special thank you to Innisfail Town Council and Town Administration for supporting this project.”

For more information visit www.bilton.ca

7th March 2023