Stellantis N.V. and LG Energy Solution are teaming up to build the first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant in Ontario.
The joint-venture between the two companies will receive support from the federal, Ontario, and municipal governments and lead to the creation of a lithium-ion battery facility that will have a production capacity of 45 gigawatt hours (GWh). These batteries will supply Stellantis plants in the North American market and employ an estimated 2,500 people, according to a government news release.
“Attracting this multibillion-dollar investment will secure Ontario’s place as a North American hub for building the cars and batteries of the future,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “As we secure game-changing investments, we’re also connecting resources, industries and workers in northern Ontario with the manufacturing might of southern Ontario to build up home-grown supply chains.”
Ford announced $131.6 million in provincial funding, while the federal government will offer the same amount. The facility will be located in Windsor, Ont., and should be operational by 2025. The federal government said it worked closely with both companies to secure the investment.
“[The] announcement of a world-leading facility to build electric vehicle batteries in Windsor is an investment in our workers, our communities and our future,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Partnerships like these are critical to creating new jobs and putting Canada on the cutting edge of the clean economy.”
Unifor also weighed in, saying the union expects the new plant to support thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Windsor-Essex and surrounding areas.
“This investment puts another critical piece on the board for Canada’s EV ambitions—our first, large-scale battery cell factory that targets the growing battery-electric passenger vehicle market in North America,” said Shane Wark, Unifor Assistant to the National President.
