NEO Battery Materials bringing $69M EV battery component facility and jobs to Windsor

Windsor will gain more jobs in the city as a new electric vehicle manufacturing facility was announced. CTV Windsor’s Travis Fortnum shares the details.

Windsor is set to gain over 100 new jobs as NEO Battery Materials Ltd. invests $69 million to establish a manufacturing facility in town.

The project, announced Thursday, marks a major addition to the region’s rapidly growing electric vehicle supply chain.

The Ontario-based company will initially build an 87,000-square-foot facility on surplus airport land, with plans to expand the total investment to $120 million over the next eight years.

Mayor Drew Dilkens said the investment shows why Windsor continues to attract cutting-edge businesses.

“NEO Battery Materials’ decision to invest in our city highlights our ability to attract forward-thinking companies that drive innovation and create opportunities for our community,” he said.

The project also involves a partnership with the University of Windsor, aimed at advancing research, innovation and workforce development in battery technology.

Spencer Sungbum Huh, president and CEO of NEO Battery Materials, pointed to Windsor’s unique advantages as the reason behind the company’s decision.

“We are excited to officially announce our investment in Windsor-Essex, a region that embodies innovation, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to supporting advanced manufacturing,” said Huh.

“Their expertise in site selection and competitive development incentives allowed us to identify the perfect location at Windsor Airport that meets our operational needs.”

Huh also highlighted the collaboration with Invest WindsorEssex and the University of Windsor, which he said will foster research and development partnerships, paving the way for further innovation in silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

The company said these materials offer higher performance and lower costs compared to traditional battery components.

City Council has approved a grant through its Community Improvement Plan to help NEO get established, as part of ongoing efforts to draw in businesses that align with Windsor’s economic priorities.

Joe Goncalves, vice president of investment attraction at Invest WindsorEssex, called the project “a testament to our region’s strategic location and prominence as a global leader in next-generation vehicle production and battery manufacturing.”