Vianode breaks ground on North America’s largest synthetic graphite plant in Ontario

The multi-billion-dollar project will be built in phases, ultimately reaching 150,000 tons of annual capacity

Norwegian battery-materials producer Vianode has kicked off site preparation for its massive new synthetic graphite plant. This marks a major step in the race to build a resilient North American EV supply chain.

The facility — dubbed Via TWO — will rise in the Yarmouth Yards Industrial Park and is slated to become North America’s largest producer of low-emission synthetic anode graphite when operations begin in 2028. The material is essential for electric-vehicle batteries and energy-storage systems, making the project a strategic pillar for the continent’s clean-tech ambitions.

Vianode selected St. Thomas after an extensive search across North America, citing its proximity to automotive customers, Ontario’s clean-electricity grid, a deep talent pool, and strong political backing. The Ontario government is preparing to support the project with up to CAD 670 million in loans, pending a final agreement.

“Today marks an important step towards a resilient North American battery supply chain,” said Vianode CEO Burkhard Straube. “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.”

The multi-billion-dollar project will be built in phases, ultimately reaching 150,000 tons of annual capacity — enough synthetic graphite to power roughly two million EVs every year. Employment is expected to reach 300 high-skilled jobs in the first phase and grow to 1,000 at full capacity.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford hailed the announcement as “a historic milestone for southwestern Ontario,” calling it a major win for workers and a boost to the province’s position in the global EV sector.

Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario, said Vianode’s move underscores the province’s competitiveness during a period of global economic uncertainty. Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli added that the investment positions Ontario as a leading supplier of strategic materials as demand for synthetic graphite accelerates.

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

Vianode already operates a technology center in Kristiansand, Norway, and launched its first full-scale plant, Via ONE, in Herøya in 2024. The St. Thomas facility is central to the company’s goal of supplying materials for up to three million EVs annually by 2030.