ST. THOMAS, ONT. – Power Co Canada has appointed Ellis Don Corporation as the general contractor for its $7 billion gigafactory in St. Thomas, which is an important step as the project enters its next construction phase.
The initiative is now shifting into the main infrastructure and structural stages that will facilitate future production.
This work encompasses the production-building shell, along with mechanical, electrical and plumbing setups, energy and utility systems, and various site services. Around 60 Ellis Don employees are currently on-site, with expectations to grow to about 1,300 workers at peak times, plus additional staff for related project activities, according to a release.
Spanning 1.5 million square feet, the factory will cover an area equivalent to 210 football fields just for itself. The entire industrial park is made up of 1,500 acres, or roughly 850 football fields in total.
“The Power Co facility represents a transformative investment in Canada’s industrial future, and Ellis Don is proud to play a role in its delivery,” said Max Mantha, president of construction at Ellis Don in a statement. “As a Canadian-headquartered, employee-owned company, we are committed to building the infrastructure that will help support Canada’s growing electric vehicle and battery manufacturing sector. This project will create opportunities for skilled tradespeople, local businesses, and communities across southwestern Ontario; we look forward to collaborating with Power Co and our partners on this landmark development.”
Ground was broken in 2025 on this project, with Magil Construction Canada managing foundation work for three major buildings while Steelcon Group of Companies handles the fabrication and erection of structural steel components.
Power Co has indicated it is also aligning the project’s timeline and product strategy “with evolving market demand, technological advancements and the Volkswagen Group’s long-term strategy.”
The St. Thomas facility is now set to start operations in 2029. Previously Power Co had aimed for initial battery production by 2027.
“The St. Thomas gigafactory remains a cornerstone of our North American strategy,” said Joel Karlsberg, chief procurement officer with Power Co Canada.
“We are continuing to build now while determining how and when the facility scales over time. This is about getting the pacing right – not stepping back – to protect our long-term investment; support regional jobs; and position Canada, Ontario and St. Thomas to benefit in a dynamic and evolving market.”
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