With the Yarmouth Yards industrial park as a backdrop, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Thursday’s announcement of a $3.2 billion investment by Norwegian firm Vianode as an historic milestone for southwestern Ontario and a major win for workers.
The ceremonial ground-breaking was on the site of what will become a state-of-the-art synthetic anode graphite manufacturing facility that will initially result in 300 new, good-paying jobs.
Anode graphite is a critical component in electric vehicle batteries, nuclear reactors, semiconductors, aerospace and defence systems, steelmaking and other strategic industries.
The new facility will be an important step toward a resilient North American battery supply chain, stressed Vianode CEO Burkhard Straube.
Production is expected to begin in 2028, according to Emanuele Tricca, Vianode Canada managing director.
He added, “St. Thomas is exactly where we need to be – next to major manufacturing hubs and in a region with the skills set.”
St. Thomas has always hung its hat on the transportation sector as its economic backbone.
First it was railways, and now automotive.
Mayor Joe Preston noted the city is embracing a new chapter, one rooted in clean technology, innovation and sustainability. Allowing young people to remain in St. Thomas, thanks to an abundance of well-paying jobs.
Preston continued, “We are thrilled to welcome Vianode to our city and celebrate the skilled jobs and environmental progress this project brings to our community.”
The news that Vianode would locate its first North American synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in St. Thomas was one of 26 critical minerals investments announced by the federal government last month in Toronto.
Hamilton Mountain MP Lisa Hepfner stressed the plant will contribute to a strong North American supply chain.
This is how we build Canada strong, added Hepfner.
“We do it together and with projects like these.”
The St. Thomas operation will be the largest synthetic graphite anode material plant in the western world and the most sustainable one worldwide, according to Straube.
Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack pointed out that the investment “shows the confidence global leaders have in our community and workforce.”
Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli advised, “With economic uncertainty undermining global supply chains, Ontario continues to stand as the stable and reliable economic partner that our allies are looking for.”
And Straube explained, “In a phased approach, starting with 35,000 tons production per year, we plan to build up to 150,000 tons annual, annual material production, which is sufficient for approximately 3 million EVs. Initially, we will create approximately 300 highly qualified jobs, bringing additional employment and economic growth through ripple effects to the City of St. Thomas and the local communities.”
At full capacity the plant will employ up to 1,000 workers.
To support Vianode’s investment, the province is providing a loan up to $670 million, subject to a definitive agreement to support the site.
You can read a related story here.
Written by Ian McCallum
