Project expected to create up to 1,000 jobs and strengthen domestic supply chain for EVs, batteries, defense and semiconductor industries
ST. THOMAS, Ontario (November 20, 2025) — Vianode, a Norway-based producer of low-emission synthetic anode graphite, announced plans to invest $3.2 billion to establish its first North American manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario—marking the continent’s first large-scale clean synthetic graphite plant.
The multi-phase facility will support growing demand for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, energy storage, semiconductors, defense systems and advanced manufacturing sectors, dramatically reducing North America’s reliance on foreign supply chains.
“Today marks an important step towards a resilient North American battery supply chain,” said Burkhard Straube, CEO, Vianode. “Ontario and the city of St. Thomas have been strong partners from day one. Via TWO will bring industrial-scale, low-emission graphite to market through a phased build-out that supports customers, communities and the clean-energy transition.”
Job Creation & Capacity Expansion
The plant will be developed in phases and is expected to create:
- 300 new jobs at launch
- Up to 1,000 jobs at full capacity
Site work is currently underway, with production slated to begin in 2028. Future expansions could scale output to 150,000 tons annually, positioning Ontario as a premier supplier in global battery and critical minerals markets.
“This announcement is a historic milestone for southwestern Ontario and a major win for workers,” said Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. “We’re proud to welcome Vianode to St. Thomas as we strengthen our province’s leadership in a critical industry and build the most competitive, resilient, self-reliant economy in the G7.”
Strategic Importance to Clean Energy and National Security
Synthetic graphite forms the anode in lithium-ion batteries and is essential to:
- EV production
- Grid-scale storage
- Nuclear and defense systems
- Steel and industrial processes
- Semiconductor manufacturing
Vianode’s proprietary manufacturing method reduces carbon emissions up to 90% compared to conventional production.
“As demand for synthetic graphite ramps up, Vianode’s investment will position Ontario as a leading supplier for strategic industries,” said Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Government Partnership and Financial Support
Invest Ontario partnered with Vianode throughout its site selection process and is negotiating a loan of up to $670 million to support the project.
“Vianode’s decision is a clear signal that Ontario remains a dependable and competitive partner for business growth,” said Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario.
The project builds on the St. Thomas region’s growing momentum as a major clean-manufacturing hub.
“This facility will bring high-quality jobs, innovation, and long-term economic growth to our region,” said Sean Dyke, CEO, St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation.
About Vianode
Vianode is a global producer of advanced, low-emission synthetic anode graphite serving the EV and battery value chains in Europe and North America. Its existing plant in Norway, Via ONE, is the world’s most sustainable synthetic graphite production facility. The company aims to supply battery materials for 3 million EVs annually by 2030.
Learn more: vianode.com.
About Invest Ontario
Invest Ontario is the province’s economic development agency, supporting global business investment with incentives, advisory services, and sector expertise across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and technology.
Learn more: investontario.ca.
