More jobs are coming to Eastern Ontario as an announcement was made of a $1.5 billion investment to build a first of its kind industrial scale cathode and precursor materials manufacturing plant. These materials are used in the making of electric vehicle batteries.
The near-carbon-neutral facility will be built by Umicore N.V., a multinational circular materials technology company based in Belgium.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in attendance for the announcement and said that today’s announcement is about “creating jobs, cutting pollution and building a stronger, cleaner economy for Canadians. Umicore’s decision to establish its new facility in Loyalist Township is another major step forward as we make Canada a global leader in producing electric vehicles — from minerals to manufacturing.”
When speaking with local media, Hastings-Lennox and Addington MPP Ric Bresee said the property the 350 acres plant will be on is the perfect size. He mentioned the closeness to all types of transportation including road, train and water if needed.
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade told media this announcement helps close a gap. There are the critical minerals in Northern Ontario, followed by green steel made in Hamilton, parts being made all through Ontario, the battery being produced in Windsor, and the five vehicle manufactures.
Loyalist Township Deputy Mayor Jim Hegadorn says the township is so proud to be able to make this announcement. When he first heard this would be coming, Hegadorn said he began thinking of the area of impact. With the creation of jobs and benefits for the community, he can’t quite see where the ripple effect will end.
The plant will be located at the corner of Taylor Kidd Blvd. and County Road 4. Hegadorn says as this area was all open land, this is all new infrastructure for the municipality.
Building the facility itself will provide around 1,000 people with jobs in the construction phase and then employment for several hundred in operations. Construction is targeted to begin in 2023 with operations planned for the end of 2025.
Written by Emily Chatwood