Transit Design Group is lighting the way to an energy-efficient and sustainable future

Transit Design Group (TDG) began as a family-owned business in Mississauga in 1989, focused on designing and manufacturing lighting systems for the rail transit industry. Over the decades, TDG’s products have become a staple in Canada’s major transit systems, including VIA Rail, GO Transit, Toronto’s TTC, Montreal’s STM, Vancouver’s SkyTrain, and the LRT networks in Calgary and Edmonton. The company’s reputation for quality and reliability has earned it partnerships with global rail giants such as Alstom, Siemens, and Hitachi. With more than 150 employees in Canada and 50 internationally, the company has built a strong foundation rooted in engineering excellence, customer service, and a commitment to sustainability. Its lighting systems are designed to be energy-efficient, long-lasting, and weather-resistant, reducing operational costs for transit operators and contributing to broader environmental goals.

“We were the ones who said yes—yes, we could probably make that into an LED. Yes, we could convert that headlight. That mindset of saying yes and understanding customer needs has driven our growth.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global transit and ridership plummeted, TDG made a strategic pivot into the aerospace, defence and security sectors—a move that leveraged its expertise in high-performance lighting solutions. With an investment of $1.6-million from FedDev Ontario, TDG was able to outfit an expanded 10,000-square-foot production area and establish a dedicated defence division and doubled its circuit board production capacity. This also enabled the company to reshore manufacturing and maintain nearly all design and development in Ontario. TDG’s advanced LED lighting solutions are now being deployed in defence applications, including naval vessels and armored vehicles, where reliability under extreme conditions is critical. The transition was seamless because the stringent requirements for shock, vibration, electromagnetic interference, and flame-smoke-toxicity in defence closely mirror those in rail transportation. FedDev Ontario support not only accelerated TDG’s entry into new markets but also safeguarded Canadian jobs, strengthened domestic supply chains, and reinforced TDG’s commitment to a “Made-in-Canada” approach while serving global clients.

TDG’s expanded operations are creating highly skilled positions, strengthening Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector and contributing to a competitive, low-carbon economy. By developing longer-lasting, weatherproof lighting technologies, TDG is helping organizations reduce energy consumption and improve environmental performance across multiple sectors. The company’s journey reflects a broader shift in Canadian industry toward innovation-driven, sustainable growth. TDG’s ability to adapt and thrive in a changing landscape is a testament to its leadership, vision, and the strength of its partnerships.

As TDG continues to grow, its story serves as an inspiring example of how Canadian companies can lead the way in clean technology and advanced manufacturing. From its roots in rail transit to its bold move into aerospace and defence/security, TDG is lighting the path forward, one energy-efficient innovation at a time.

Learn more about FedDev Ontario's funding recipients by visiting our impact stories page.