Vianode begins preparing its St. Thomas site to build North America’s largest low-emission synthetic graphite plant, boosting Ontario’s EV supply chain.
Vianode, a Norway-based producer of advanced battery materials, has officially begun site preparation work for its new synthetic graphite plant, known as Via TWO, in St. Thomas, Ontario. This development marks a significant step forward in the company’s strategy to expand its footprint across North America and is expected to generate hundreds of skilled jobs in the region. The facility will focus on producing low-emission synthetic anode graphite, a material essential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other clean-energy applications.
The start of site preparation signals the formal launch of what will become North America’s largest plant dedicated to manufacturing low-emission synthetic graphite. Operations at the facility are planned to begin in 2028. Anode graphite serves as a core component in EV batteries, as well as in energy storage systems and other industries that are central to the transition toward cleaner technologies.
Strategically located in the Yarmouth Yards Industrial Park, the St. Thomas site was selected after an extensive evaluation of potential locations across North America. The decision was influenced by the region’s proximity to major automotive manufacturers, access to Ontario’s clean electricity grid, availability of a highly skilled workforce, and strong alignment with local and provincial development priorities. The Government of Ontario has signaled its support through a loan commitment of up to CAD 670 million, pending a final agreement, to help advance Vianode’s investment.
According to Vianode CEO Burkhard Straube, the initiative represents a key milestone in strengthening the North American battery materials supply chain. He emphasized the strong partnership with Ontario and St. Thomas, noting that Via TWO will provide industrial-scale production of low-emission graphite through a phased development model designed to support customers, local communities, and the broader clean-energy transition.
The project is envisioned as a multi-billion-dollar, multi-phase investment that will eventually deliver an annual production capacity of up to 150,000 tons of synthetic graphite—sufficient to support manufacturing for roughly two million EVs each year. Initial operations are expected to create around 300 highly skilled jobs, with total employment rising to approximately 1,000 when the facility reaches full output.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford described the announcement as a major milestone for southwestern Ontario and a strong boost for workers in the region. He highlighted the province’s growing leadership in critical industries and reiterated the government’s commitment to building a strong, self-reliant economy. Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario, added that Vianode’s move underscores Ontario’s position as a dependable partner, especially during times of global economic uncertainty.
Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, noted that the investment comes at a time when global supply chains are under pressure, reinforcing Ontario’s role as a stable and competitive destination for key industries. Local leadership echoed this sentiment, with St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston expressing enthusiasm for the technological and environmental benefits the project will bring to the community.
Emanuele Tricca, Managing Director of Vianode Canada, emphasized that St. Thomas offers the ideal environment for the company’s next stage of growth, given its proximity to major manufacturing hubs and the depth of skills in the region.
Vianode’s expansion in Canada builds upon its earlier milestones, including the start of synthetic graphite production at its Technology Center in Kristiansand in 2021 and the commissioning of Via ONE, its first full-scale facility in Herøya, in 2024. The Ontario facility will play a central role in helping the company achieve its target of supplying battery materials for as many as three million electric vehicles annually by 2030.
