Canon Canada is moving 40 employees from Burlington into the core of Hamilton.

The company has taken space on the 16th floor of the office building at 21 King St. W.

Glen Norton, chief of the city’s downtown renewal department, said the company’s move was a complete surprise to the city – but a welcome surprise.

“We knew nothing about it,” he said. “They didn’t come to us for any incentives or advice or anything.”

Such moves aren’t uncommon, Norton said.

“This was a quiet move. They made the decision that Hamilton was where they wanted to go and then gave a broker the mandate to find them the right space.

“This is sign that we’re really making some progress,” he said. “They just went ahead and made their decision based on the business case for Hamilton.”

Canon makes copiers and printers among other equipment.

Company spokesman Ian Mcfarlane couldn’t be reached for comment.

Norton said the 40 jobs Canon brings to the core is a major boost, considering the area drew 330 new positions in all of last year.

He also added there’s room for more firms in the core – the office vacancy rate was just under 13 per cent in January. An updated number is being researched now.

The Hamilton Spectator