Vianode plans to build North America’s first large-scale clean synthetic graphite plant in Ontario

Multi-billion project would mark Vianode’s entrance into the North American market, bolstering domestic supply of a critical material

ST. THOMAS, Ontario, November 20, 2025 – Invest Ontario welcomes an anticipated investment of $3.2 billion from Vianode, a Norwegian producer of sustainable synthetic anode graphite, to establish its first North American facility in St. Thomas, Ontario.

As demand for graphite increases across strategic industries, Ontario has the opportunity to capture share in a market dominated by few players. This will diversify options for global manufacturers and help reduce the reliance on imports for Canadian companies.

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.

Burkhard Straube

CEO of Vianode

The St. Thomas facility would be North America’s first large-scale, low-emission synthetic graphite plant. Vianode expects that the plant would create around 300 new jobs in the initial phase, and up to 1,000 at full capacity. It would play a crucial role in securing domestic supply of a key commodity used in manufacturing, defence and energy, marking a major step towards building a resilient, sovereign critical mineral supply chain in Ontario.

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. We’re proud to welcome Vianode to St. Thomas as we strengthen our province’s competitive advantage in a critical industry and build the most competitive, resilient, self-reliant economy in the G7.

Hon. Doug Ford

Premier of Ontario

Synthetic graphite is a versatile critical resource increasingly in demand globally. The material forms the anode, one of the key components of lithium-ion batteries, and is essential to semiconductors, grid-scale electrical storage, nuclear reactors, defence systems and steel production.

Through the use of proprietary technology, the company produces high-performance synthetic anode graphite with up to 90% lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional methods, contributing to a more sustainable value chain.

According to Vianode, ground preparation works are underway to enable start of production in 2028. Planned expansions would bring the Ontario plant’s total capacity to as many as 150,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually.

With economic uncertainty undermining global supply chains, Ontario continues to stand as the stable and reliable economic partner that our allies are looking for. 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.

Hon. Vic Fedeli

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Invest Ontario has been working closely with Vianode from the early stages of its investment journey, aiding the company’s decision to expand in Ontario following an extensive site selection process.

In support of this investment, Ontario is negotiating the provision of a loan of up to $670 million.

Vianode’s decision is a clear signal that Ontario remains a dependable and competitive partner for business growth. Investing today demands clear strategy and steady navigation through a changing economic landscape, especially for landmark projects of this scale. We’re proud to have worked with Vianode along the way to help it enter a new market and grow with confidence in Ontario.

Khawar Nasim

CEO of Invest Ontario

The St. Thomas location leverages Ontario’s skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing strengths and world-class infrastructure.

Vianode’s decision to invest in St. Thomas is a powerful vote of confidence in our community, our workforce, and our vision for the future of advanced manufacturing and sustainability. This new facility will strengthen our region’s position in the global battery supply chain and bring high-quality jobs, innovation, and long-term economic growth to St. Thomas. We’re proud to welcome Vianode and look forward to supporting their success as they become an integral part of our thriving industrial ecosystem.

Sean Dyke

CEO of St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation

Synthetic graphite is key to supporting critical mineral supply chains and bolstering Ontario's resilience and leadership in battery manufacturing and other strategic industries from semiconductors to defence. Advancing the critical minerals sector remains a focus for Invest Ontario, as the Agency continues to attract leading companies shaping the economy of the future.

For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.