Whitby's Aerospace & Defence Sector

Built for business. Ready for defence.

With a rich legacy in defence, Whitby helps companies build, test and scale innovative technologies through access to advanced manufacturing, world-class testing and research assets, a highly skilled workforce, and strategic transportation connections.

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Whitby's Aerospace & Defence Companies

The companies featured here are Whitby-based businesses with demonstrated activity in the Aerospace & Defence (A&D) sector, including the development or delivery of products, technologies and services for defence or military applications. Aerospace and defence does not need to be their primary market.

Is your Whitby business currently active in the A&D sector? Contact Invest Whitby to be considered for inclusion.

Build. Test. Grow.

Build in Whitby

Build with access to advanced manufacturing capabilities and a connected supply chain.

Whitby's available employment land, industrial base, transportation network, and business advantages provide a strong foundation for companies developing products, components, and technologies in the aerospace & defence sector. 

Invest in Whitby

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Tap into Whitby's Key Sectors

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Leverage Whitby's Advantages

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Access Funding & Contracts

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Test in Whitby

Test and validate technologies using world-class research and testing assets.

In Whitby, businesses can access specialized testing, applied research, and commercialization resources that help move new technologies from concept to market.

ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel

World-class testing capabilities supporting aerospace, transportation, defence, and advanced manufacturing applications.

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Talent and Research Partnerships

Access a highly skilled talent pipeline through Durham Region's colleges, universities, workforce development programs, and industry partnerships.

Explore Talent

1855 Whitby Technology Accelerator

Innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization support that helps businesses develop, scale, and bring new technologies to market.

Explore 1855

Grow in Whitby

Grow with dedicated support and connections that help your business expand.

Whitby provides the guidance, resources, and partnerships businesses need to navigate growth opportunities, access new markets, and scale operations with confidence.

Explore our business growth supports:

Investing in Whitby means gaining a dedicated partner throughout your project. Our Investment Concierge Program provides confidential, hands-on support to investors, developers, and site selectors from initial inquiry through to occupancy.

Concierge services include:

  • Site selection assistance
  • Planning, zoning, and approvals coordination
  • Funding and incentive navigation
  • Connections to key partners and service providers
  • A single point of contact throughout your project

In Whitby, we help move your investment forward, faster.

For more information, contact the Invest Whitby team.

Growing local businesses is a key part of Whitby's economic success. Through our Business Retention & Expansion (BR+E) Program, the Economic Development team works directly with businesses to understand their needs, identify growth opportunities, and connect them with helpful resources and partners. 

Whitby's BR+E program includes:

  • Expansion and relocation assistance
  • Funding and business support referrals
  • Workforce and talent resources
  • Connections to municipal and external partners
  • Assistance navigating local processes 

Connect with the Invest Whitby team to discuss your business needs and growth plans. 

Funding can help accelerate innovation, expansion, workforce development, and technology adoption. Durham Region's Funding and Support Finder connects businesses with grants, loans, tax credits, and other funding opportunities from government and industry partners.

Explore opportunities for:

  • Research and development
  • Innovation and commercialization
  • Workforce training
  • Export development
  • Business expansion

Explore Durham Region's Funding & Support Finder

For defence-specific opportunities, the Government of Canada provides resources to help defence and dual-use businesses find funding, innovation programs, procurement opportunities, financing and other supports:

Explore Federal Defence Funding, Contracts, & Support

Whitby businesses have access to a strong network of organizations that support entrepreneurship, innovation, investment, and growth. 

  • 1855 Whitby – innovation and commercialization support 

  • Spark Centre – incubation and mentoring for technology companies 

  • Angel Investors Durham – access to angel investment, mentorship, and growth capital for early-stage companies 

  • Invest Durham – regional business growth and investment support 

Together, these organizations help businesses start, grow, innovate, and succeed. 

Whitby's Defence Legacy

Sir William Stephenson, Camp X, and Hydra

During the Second World War, Whitby was home to Camp X, one of Canada's most important wartime intelligence training facilities. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Camp X played a key role in supporting Allied operations and intelligence gathering.

A critical part of the site was Hydra, a highly secure communications station that transmitted encrypted messages between Allied intelligence networks in North America and Europe. Hydra's ability to send and receive information quickly and securely made it an important link in the Allied war effort.

Sir William Stephenson, a Canadian businessman and spymaster known as "The Man Called Intrepid," helped establish and oversee the British intelligence operations associated with Camp X. His leadership and innovation in intelligence and communications left a lasting mark on Whitby's history and Canada's contribution to the Allied victory.

Camp X & Sir William Stephenson statue outside of of the Whitby Public Library.

Ready to Build, Test, and Grow?

Whitby offers the location, infrastructure, talent, and support needed to help aerospace and defence companies succeed.

Whether you're exploring a new investment, expanding operations, validating a technology, or looking to enter the aerospace and defence supply chain, Invest Whitby can help connect you with the resources and partners you need.

Connect with Invest Whitby

Explore Whitby's Signature Sites

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