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Volkswagen’s EV battery plant will create thousands of jobs

ST. THOMAS — Last month, Canada and Ontario secured an investment from Volkswagen. Volkswagen is investing $7 billion to establish its first overseas electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ont. This is the largest electric vehicle-related investment in Canadian history.

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, were joined by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, and Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, to highlight this generational deal for St. Thomas, Ont., and Canada’s entire electric vehicle supply chain.

“When we talk about our made-in-Canada plan, we’re talking about creating good, middle-class jobs now and into the future, we’re talking about clean air for our kids and grandkids, and we’re talking about a strong economy that works for all Canadians,” said Trudeau. “That’s what Volkswagen’s new electric vehicle battery plant in St. Thomas – the largest manufacturing plant in the country once built – is all about. It’s a win for workers, for the community, and for the economy.”

The plant, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and up to 30,000 indirect jobs. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year. The plant, which will generate about $200 billion in value, will be the largest manufacturing plant in Canada. Construction is expected to begin next year.

“This investment, the largest auto investment in our province’s history, is a big win for Ontario, the people of St. Thomas and surrounding areas,” said Ford. “We’re thrilled to welcome Volkswagen and PowerCo SE to Ontario and thank them for their tremendous confidence in our province, our workers and our growing electric vehicle supply chain. Welcome to Team Ontario, Volkswagen!”