As announced earlier today, Volkswagen and and its battery operation, PowerCo, announced they have selected St. Thomas as the site of Volkswagen’s first overseas gigafactory for battery cell manufacturing.
The plant will be located on the parcel of land that has been assembled by the city east of Highbury Avenue.
myFM spoke with St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston moments after the announcement and he suggested this is only the beginning.
Thomas Schmall, Board Member for Technology of Volkswagen noted the company is committed to be a reliable partner and good neighbor for the people in St. Thomas and Ontario.
After the automaker signed a deal with Ottawa last year to work to identify suitable sites for the facility, the province quickly passed legislation adjusting the boundaries of Central Elgin and the city.
Preston talked about the process of assembling the 1,500 acres of land.
myFM asked St. Thomas Mayor when construction might begin.
Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli stressed today’s news is a major vote of confidence in Canada and Ontario.
More details to follow.
Written by Ian McCallum
