With production expected to start in 2027, Power Co is beginning a major hiring initiative to fill hundreds of roles at its large electric vehicle battery facility in St. Thomas.
The Volkswagen subsidiary announced on Wednesday that it has launched a recruitment drive for positions including chemists, IT specialists, engineers, and sustainability professionals, with plans for further hiring in the upcoming months.
This gigafactory is projected to employ around 3,000 people and cover up to 185,000 square meters when fully operational in northeast St. Thomas. It’s also anticipated to generate about 30,000 indirect jobs.
“It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” said St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston in an interview with .
“What this will do with even jobs across Canada, certainly Northern Ontario and the Ring of Fire, certainly other areas of Canada, supplying the special ingredients that need to go into EV batteries.”
Power Co is investing $7 billion into this gigafactory, which will be the first EV battery plant for the German automaker in North America and have an annual output capacity of up to 90 GWh.
Batteries made at this facility will supply vehicle assembly plants located in the U. S.
Groundbreaking for the new factory is expected within the next few weeks based on a media statement from Power Co.
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Groundbreaking for the new plant is expected to take place in the next several weeks according to a media statement provided by Power Co. (Volkswagen AG)
“The industrial park we created that attracted Power Co to St. Thomas continues to be developed,” Preston mentioned.
“Roadways, water systems, sewer lines, new electrical towers and a brand-new rail yard are all [finishing] construction. The land where the factory will be built has been leveled and compacted; we start pouring concrete this summer.”
The new plant will bring “generational change,” Preston stated and represents an opportunity to create future manufacturing jobs while keeping young workers from leaving the area.
This development will also increase demand for local housing as workers begin settling in St. Thomas region.
In nearby Central Elgin, officials are considering redeveloping land once occupied by the St. Thomas psychiatric hospital due to its imminent arrival.
made multiple attempts on Wednesday to reach someone from Power Co but was informed their spokesperson was unavailable.
In a statement, Chief Human Resources Officer Norman Wickboldt described the hiring effort as a “key step forward.”
“Electrified transportation is the future, and these jobs offer long-term opportunities for Canadians looking to engage in an exciting clean energy sector,” his statement said.
Power Co has already brought on about 200 employees who are currently working out of an office located downtown St. Thomas , with plans set for growth up to 400 by the end of the year , Preston noted.
“Almost every week I meet someone else new who’s come to join the team , many from St. Thomas , others from London , along with some coming from much farther away.”
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