Vianode begins building low-emission graphite plant in Ontario

Vianode, a Norwegian producer of advanced battery materials, officially started site preparation at its new synthetic graphite facility Via TWO in St. Thomas, Ontario. The project is a major milestone in Vianode’s North American expansion plans and set to bring hundreds of new high-skilled jobs to the region.

The site preparation marks the formal start of the project to establish North America’s largest production facility for low-emission synthetic anode graphite, with operations set to begin in 2028. Anode graphite is a critical component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other strategic industries, including energy storage.

Located in the Yarmouth Yards Industrial Park and the St. Thomas site was chosen for the Via TWO facility following an extensive North American site selection process. St. Thomas is close to key automotive customers and offers access to Ontario’s clean electricity grid, a skilled regional workforce, and strong support from local and provincial authorities. Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the Government of Ontario will provide a loan of up to CAD 670 million (~$474.65 million) in support of Vianode’s investment.

“Today marks an important step towards a resilient North American battery supply chain. Ontario and the city of St. Thomas have been strong partners from day one, and Via TWO will bring industrial-scale, low-emission graphite to market through a phased build-out that supports customers, communities and the clean-energy transition”, says Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.

The St. Thomas project is structured as a phased multi-billion-dollar investment, with total planned capacity of up to 150,000 tons annually, supporting delivery of synthetic graphite for around two million EVs per year. The plant is expected to create approximately 300 highly skilled jobs in the first phase, and up to 1,000 at full capacity.

“Today’s announcement is a historic milestone for southwestern Ontario and a major win for workers, creating good-paying manufacturing jobs today and for generations to come,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re proud to welcome Vianode to St. Thomas as we strengthen our province’s competitive advantage in a critical industry and build the most competitive, resilient, self-reliant economy in the G7.”

“Vianode’s decision is a clear signal that Ontario remains a dependable and competitive partner for business growth,” said Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario. “Investing today demands clear strategy and steady navigation through a changing economic landscape, especially for landmark projects of this scale. We’re proud to have worked with Vianode along the way to help it enter a new market and grow with confidence in Ontario.”

“With economic uncertainty undermining global supply chains, Ontario continues to stand as the stable and reliable economic partner that our allies are looking for,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As demand for synthetic graphite ramps up at home and abroad, Vianode’s investment will position the province as a leading supplier for strategic industries, ensuring that Ontario’s economy and workers benefit for years to come.”

“St. Thomas has always played an important role in the automotive industry, and today we’re embracing the next chapter — one rooted in clean technology, innovation and sustainability. We are thrilled to welcome Vianode to our city and celebrate the skilled jobs and environmental progress this project brings to our community”, says Joe Preston, Mayor of St. Thomas.

“St. Thomas is exactly where we need to be - next to major manufacturing hubs and in a region with the skills to scale. We’re committed to being a good neighbor, creating high-quality jobs and working with local partners as we build Canada’s first large-scale synthetic graphite facility”, says Emanuele Tricca, Managing Director, Vianode Canada.

Vianode started Norwegian synthetic graphite production at its Technology Center in Kristiansand in 2021 and commissioned its first full-scale plant Via ONE at Herøya in 2024. The St. Thomas facility is an important part of the company’s goal to supply advanced materials for up to three million EVs annually by 2030.

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ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)