Synthetic graphite manufacturer to open plant in St. Thomas

A major EV battery supplier is moving to St. Thomas.

The City of St. Thomas, Ont. has landed another major manufacturer in the EV battery supply chain.

Vianode, a Norwegian-based manufacturer of materials used in lithium-ion batteries, has announced their first North American plant will be coming to St. Thomas.

In January 2025 Vianode signed an agreement to be the supplier of high performance anode graphite solutions to General Motors.

Construction is expected to begin in 2028, located in Yarmouth Yards, near the Power-Co battery plant.

According to the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, the factory will bring 300 jobs to the area in its initial phase, and expects to employ 1,000 people at its peak.

The CEO of Vianode, Burkhard Straube, said St. Thomas brings everything the company is looking for.

“A pool of skilled talent, world-class infrastructure, and a low-carbon electricity grid, all close to our customers. As St. Thomas grows as a hub for green mobility, we’re excited to help shape its future and become an integral part of the community,” said Straube.