Concrete pouring is officially underway at Volkswagen’s PowerCo plant in St. Thomas. It’s on track to become Canada’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery plant.
The new facility will create up to 3,000 jobs and protect the province’s auto manufacturing supply chain.
Vic Fedeli, the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade says, the government continues to create conditions for businesses and workers to succeed, “We commend PowerCo for moving swiftly to bring this project to life and for recognizing the resilience of Ontario’s world-class workforce, as well as our province’s strong leadership in the auto and advanced manufacturing sectors.”
When built, the gigafactory will bring PowerCo’s advanced battery technology to the North American market.
The Mayor of St. Thomas, Joe Preston says,
The excitement in St. Thomas is palpable, as we celebrate this monumental construction milestone. The St. Thomas gigafactory is rapidly coming to life and already delivering on its promise of prosperity — supporting hundreds of local jobs and providing a significant boost to our economy right here in our community
Over the past four years, Ontario has attracted over $46 billion in auto manufacturing and the EV battery supply chain.
In a statement from the Ontario government, they said they will support the auto manufacturing industry in the sifting global landscape, “the Ontario government continues to take bold and decisive action to protect workers, unlock new opportunities, and reinforce the province’s position as the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 to invest, expand and grow.”
