Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 21, Vianode, a Norway-based advanced battery materials producer, has officially begun site preparation for its Via TWO synthetic graphite plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. The facility will become North America’s largest production site for low-emission synthetic anode graphite when it starts operations in 2028.

Located in Yarmouth Yards Industrial Park, the St. Thomas site was selected after a comprehensive North American location review. Its advantages include proximity to major automotive manufacturers, access to Ontario’s clean electricity grid, and a highly skilled local workforce. The project has received strong support from provincial and municipal authorities, including a conditional loan of up to CAD 670 million from the Government of Ontario.

“Today marks an important step towards a resilient North American battery supply chain. Ontario and the city of St. Thomas have been strong partners from day one, and 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,” said Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.

The multi-phase investment will eventually reach an annual capacity of 150,000 tons, sufficient to supply graphite for approximately two million electric vehicles per year. The first phase alone is expected to create around 300 high-skilled jobs, with up to 1,000 positions at full capacity.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated: “Today’s announcement is a historic milestone for southwestern Ontario and a major win for workers, creating good-paying manufacturing jobs today and for generations to come.”

Invest Ontario CEO Khawar Nasim added: “Vianode’s decision is a clear signal that Ontario remains a dependable and competitive partner for business growth.”

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli noted: “As demand for synthetic graphite ramps up at home and abroad, Vianode’s investment will position the province as a leading supplier for strategic industries, ensuring that Ontario’s economy and workers benefit for years to come.”

St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston said: “St. Thomas has always played an important role in the automotive industry, and today we’re embracing the next chapter — one rooted in clean technology, innovation and sustainability.”

Vianode Canada Managing Director Emanuele Tricca commented: “St. Thomas is exactly where we need to be – next to major manufacturing hubs and in a region with the skills to scale. We’re committed to being a good neighbor, creating high-quality jobs and working with local partners as we build Canada’s first large-scale synthetic graphite facility.”

Via TWO will use Vianode’s proprietary technology that reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90 percent compared with conventional production methods. The plant strengthens the regional battery materials supply chain and supports the broader transition to electric mobility and renewable energy storage. Vianode already operates a technology center in Kristiansand, Norway, and its first full-scale plant, Via ONE, at Herøya, commissioned in 2024. The company targets capacity to supply advanced anode materials for up to three million electric vehicles annually by 2030.