November 20, 2025 This project will create up to 1,000 jobs and support Ontario’s expanding electric vehicle, energy, and defence manufacturing industries. ST. THOMAS – The Ontario government has landed a significant investment of $3.2 billion from Vianode, a top global producer of synthetic graphite, to set up a cutting-edge facility in St. Thomas. This marks Vianode’s entry into the North American market and is a significant step in the government’s strategy to build the most competitive, resilient, and self-sufficient economy among the G7 nations. This effort aims to safeguard Ontario’s economy and its workforce against tariffs and economic instability. In its first phase, Vianode’s investment is expected to create around 300 new well-paying jobs, with a total of 1,000 jobs anticipated once the facility operates at full capacity, bringing wide-ranging 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 advantage in a critical industry and build the most competitive, resilient self-reliant economy in the G7.” Synthetic graphite plays a vital role in EV batteries, nuclear reactors, semiconductors, aerospace and defence systems, steelmaking and other essential sectors. By bringing production back onshore, Ontario not only generates jobs at the St. Thomas facility but also supports tens of thousands more throughout the supply chain-from mining and refining to battery production, research logistics and advanced manufacturing. The government’s investment will establish a domestic ecosystem that enhances 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 reliance on China which currently produces over 80 percent of this crucial component worldwide. “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 rises both locally and internationally, Vianode’s investment will place the province as a leading supplier for strategic industries ensuring that Ontario’s economy and workers benefit for years ahead.” The construction of the St. Thomas facility is being carried out in phases with an ultimate goal of reaching an annual capacity of up to 150 thousand tons – enough synthetic graphite to supply approximately two million EVs each year. To support Vianode’s commitment along with the long-term benefits this project brings to the province’s manufacturing sector, the Ontario government is providing a loan up to $670 million contingent upon final agreement supporting this site. “Today marks an important step towards building a resilient North American battery supply chain,” said Burkhard Straube CEO of Vianode.“Ontarioandthecityof St. Thomashavebeenstrongpartnersfromdayone, and Via TWO will bring industrial-scale low-emission graphite tomarket through phased rolloutsthat support customers communitiesandthecleanenergytransition.” With U. S. tariffs impacting workersandbusinesses, the Ontario governmentis protectingtheprovince by constructingthemostresilientself-sufficientandcompetitiveeconomyin G7. Last year, Ontarioattractedahistoric$39billionininvestmentfromover400companiescreatingnearly25 thousandgoodpayingjobs.
Quick Facts
Foundedandheadquarteredin Norway, Vianodeisagloballeaderintheproductionofhighperformancesyntheticgraphite. Syntheticgraphiteisanessentialcomponentfordefencesystemssemiconductorslithiumionbatteriessteelproductionandnuclearreactors. Bychoosing Ontariotobuildtheirnewmanufacturingfacility, Vianodewillbestrategicallypositionedtosuppliesyntheticgraphitotocompaniesacross North Americaand Europe. Accountingforover800thousandworkersacrosstheprovince, themanufacturingsectoriscrucialfortheprovince’sprosperity. Sinceitsinception Invest Ontariohasannouncedover$8point2billionininvestmentsleadingtothecreationofmorethan10thousand200goodpayingjobs.Source link
