November 20, 2025 This project is set to create up to 1,000 jobs and boost Ontario’s expanding electric vehicle, energy, and defence manufacturing industries. ST. THOMAS – The Ontario government has secured a $3.2 billion investment from Vianode, a top global producer of synthetic graphite, to build a new cutting-edge facility in St. Thomas. This investment marks Vianode’s entry into the North American market and is a significant step in the government’s strategy to create the most competitive, resilient, and self-sufficient economy in the G7, protecting both Ontario’s economy and its workforce amid tariffs and economic challenges. Initially, this investment will create nearly 300 new well-paying jobs, with expectations of reaching 1,000 jobs when the facility operates at full capacity, providing widespread economic advantages throughout southwestern Ontario. “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 edge in an essential industry and build the most competitive, resilient self-reliant economy in the G7.” Synthetic graphite is crucial for EV batteries, nuclear reactors, semiconductors, aerospace and defence systems, steel production and other strategic sectors. By bringing production back home to Ontario, not only are we generating jobs at the St. Thomas site but also supporting tens of thousands more throughout the supply chain-spanning mining and refining through battery manufacturing and research-all while enhancing transportation options as well as advanced manufacturing capabilities. The government’s backing will establish a domestic ecosystem that bolsters Ontario’s industrial strength and long-term economic stability. As North America’s first large-scale low-emission synthetic graphite facility, this investment will also significantly reduce dependence on China which currently dominates over 80 percent of global production for this vital component. “With economic uncertainty impacting global supply chains, Ontario remains a stable partner that our allies need,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As demand for synthetic graphite grows both domestically and internationally, Vianode’s investment will help position our province as a key supplier for strategic industries ensuring lasting benefits for Ontario’s economy and workforce.” The construction of the St. Thomas facility will be executed in phases ultimately reaching an annual capacity of up to 150 thousand tons-enough synthetic graphite to power approximately two million EVs each year. To facilitate Vianode’s commitment along with realizing long-term benefits from this project within our manufacturing sector, the Ontario government is offering a loan of up to $670 million pending final agreements regarding support for this site. “Today marks an important step towards creating a robust North American battery supply chain,” stated Burkhard Straube CEO of Vianode.“Ontario along with its city of St. Tomas have been strong partners since day one. Via TWO aims to deliver industrial scale low-emission graphite through systematic development that supports customers communities along with clean energy initiatives.” With U. S tariffs affecting workers alongside businesses, the Ontario government continues protecting its province by cultivating one that is resilient, self-sufficient while being highly competitive among G7 economies. Last year alone saw record investments totaling $39 billion across over four hundred companies leading towards nearly twenty-five thousand high-quality job creation efforts.
Quick Facts
Founded based outta Norway, Vianode stands out globally due its leadership role producing high-performance synthetic graphite. Synthetic graphite serves as an essential element used within defence applications semiconductors lithium-ion batteries steel fabrication & nuclear facilities. By selecting Ontario home basefor their upcoming factory, Vianode strategically positions itself supplying synthetic graphiteto firms scattered all across North America Europe. The Manufacturing sector employs upwards eight hundred thousand individuals spread throughout Ontarios borders showcases its critical significance tied directly into regional prosperity. Since inception Invest Ontariorevealed figures surpassing$8 point two billion dollars allocated resultingin establishing more than ten thousandtwo hundred lucrative employment opportunities.Quotes
“Vianode’s decision to build its first North American facility here means hundreds of good-paying jobs for local families and new opportunities for businesses across our region. It showsthe confidence global leaders haveinour communityandworkforce. Thisprojectwillstrengthensupplychains , create lastingeconomic growthandpositionourregionatcenterofcleaneconomyforyears.” – Rob FlackMPP , Elgin-Middlesex-London “We thankthe Provinceof Ontariowherehelped tomake thismilestone possible. St Thomas has alwaysplayedanimportantrole intheautomotiveindustry , todaywe’reembracingnextchapter- on rootedincleantechnology innovation sustainability. Weare thrilledtowelcome Viano d e -celebrate skilledjobs environmental progressthisprojectbrings community.” – Joe Preston
Mayorof St Thomas “St Thomas exactlywhereweneedbe-nexttomajormanufacturinghubs ina regionwithskills sc ale. We’re committedto being agoodneighbourcreatinghigh qualityjobs workinglocalpartnersaswebuild Canada’sfirstlarge-scale synthet icgraphitefacility.” – Emanuele Tricca
Managing Director , Vian ode Canada “V ian o d e ’ s decision clear signalthat O ntario remains dependablecompetitivepartnerbusinessgrowth. Investingtodaydemandsclearstrategy steady navigationthroughchangingeconomics landscapeespeciallylandmarkprojects scal e. We’ reproudhaveworkedwith Via nodealongwayhelpit enternewmarketgrowconfidently Ontario ” – Khawar Nasim
CEO , Invest Ontario “V ian o d e ‘ s choice invest St. T homas powerfulvoteconfidenceourcommunity workforce visionfutureadvancedmanufacturingsustainability. Newfacilitystrengthenourregion ’s positionglobalbatterysupplychainbringhighqualityjobsinnovationlongtermeconomic growthto St. Thom. as.” – Sean Dyke
CEO , St. Thom as Economic Development Corporation
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