Asahi Kasei to Establish Battery Component Plant in Port Colborne, Ontario

Port Colborne, Ontario  – Canada continues to assert its dominance in the global electric vehicle (EV) market, with Asahi Kasei Corporation’s announcement of a substantial investment to build an EV battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario. This move, endorsed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford, signifies a significant milestone in Canada’s quest for sustainability and innovation in the automotive sector.

The investment, totaling approximately $1.6 billion, underscores Asahi Kasei’s confidence in Canada’s competitive business environment and skilled workforce. With projections of continued growth in the North American EV market, the company plans to further expand its investments in multiple phases, bolstering Canada’s position as a leading player in the EV industry.

The new facility, expected to be operational by 2027, will specialize in producing Hipore™ battery separators, critical components that enhance the performance and durability of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs. This strategic decision by Asahi Kasei aligns with Canada’s ambitious goal of achieving 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, as outlined by the Government of Canada.

The project will benefit from federal support through the Clean Technology Manufacturing investment tax credit, further incentivizing sustainable manufacturing practices. Ontario is also poised to provide direct and indirect incentives to support the initiative, highlighting the collaborative effort between government and industry to drive economic growth and job creation in the region.

Quotes from key stakeholders underscore the significance of this investment:

• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasizes the role of Asahi Kasei’s investment in positioning Canada as a leader in the global EV industry, creating high-paying jobs and advancing environmental sustainability.
• Premier Doug Ford lauds the investment as a testament to Ontario’s thriving electric vehicle manufacturing sector, predicting economic growth and job creation in Port Colborne and the wider Niagara Region.
• Asahi Kasei Corporation’s President and Representative Director, Koshiro Kudo, expresses enthusiasm for bringing the first Hipore™ wet-process lithium-ion separator manufacturing facility to Canada, leveraging the region’s renewable resources and skilled talent pool.

This announcement reinforces Canada’s attractiveness as a destination for investment in clean technology and underscores the country’s commitment to a sustainable future. Asahi Kasei’s decision to establish a presence in Port Colborne signals confidence in Canada’s ability to drive innovation and foster growth in the rapidly evolving EV market.

Commentary

As Canada continues to position itself as a global leader in the EV industry, investments like Asahi Kasei’s battery component plant in Port Colborne are pivotal for driving economic growth and environmental sustainability. Not only does this investment create job opportunities and support local communities, but it also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

GTA Today will continue to monitor developments in Canada’s EV industry and provide insights into how investments like Asahi Kasei’s are shaping the country’s automotive landscape.