Vianode has broken ground on a new $3.2-billion synthetic-graphite manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ont.

Norway-based Vianode plans to build North America’s largest low-emission synthetic anode graphite plant, known as Via Two. The Ontario government has agreed to provide a loan of up to $670 million, pending a definitive agreement, Premier Doug Ford announced during a recent groundbreaking ceremony. The development site is situated in the Yarmouth Yards Industrial Park, with operations slated to start in 2028.

Synthetic graphite is essential to EV batteries and other clean-energy technologies. The Southwestern Ontario location offers access to automotive customers, clean electricity, and a skilled regional workforce, said the company.

St. Thomas is part of the London, Ont., region.

“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,” said Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.

The launch comes as the Southwestern Ontario automobile sector is struggling with losses of manufacturing facilities. Stellantis has moved production of its Jeep Compass to Illinois as part of a US$13-billion investment designed to boost vehicle output in the U.S. The Dutch automaker has also temporarily closed its Windsor, Ont., plant for retooling, but the company plans to add a third shift when the facility reopens in 2026.

Meanwhile, General Motors has permanently stopped producing its BrightDrop electric-powered delivery vehicles were being manufactured in Ingersoll, Ont.

Vianode specializes in the production of advanced battery materials.

The St. Thomas development will unfold in multiple phases, ultimately targeting 150,000 tonnes of annual capacity — enough synthetic graphite for roughly two million EVs per year. Employment is expected to reach about 300 positions in the first phase and up to 1,000 at full build-out.

“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 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.”

Ontario’s economic agencies also underscored the signal this project sends to global investors.

“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.

Vic Fedeli, the minister of economic development, job creation and trade, Vianode’s investment will position the province as a leading supplier for strategic industries, ensuring oit economy and workers benefit for years to come. Local leaders praised the city’s role in the evolving EV ecosystem.

“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,” said Mayor Joe Preston.

The Via Two project follows Vianode’s earlier expansions in Norway, including its Technology Center in Kristiansand and the Via One plant at Helgoya. Together, these developments support the company’s goal of supplying materials for up to three million EVs per year by 2030, said Vianode.

Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other dignitaries officially launch Vianode’s battery-materials plant project in St. Thomas, Ont.

Photo: Vianode