Asahi Kasei Breaks Ground on EV Battery Separator Plant in Port Colborne, Ontario
Port Colborne, Ontario — November 14, 2024
In a bold move to strengthen Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, Asahi Kasei has officially broken ground on a $1.7 billion lithium-ion battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario. This facility will be the first of its kind in Canada and is set to become a critical part of Ontario’s end-to-end EV manufacturing ecosystem.
What Is Being Built?
Powering Ontario’s EV Future
This manufacturing facility will produce Hipore™ wet-process lithium-ion battery separators, an essential component that enhances battery safety, performance, and sustainability.
The separator plant is part of a joint venture between Asahi Kasei Corporation and Honda Canada Inc., announced in November 2024. It marks one of four new facilities Honda plans to develop as part of Canada’s first comprehensive EV supply chain.
Key Project Facts
- Investment Value: $1.7 billion CAD
- Completion of Phase One: 2027
- Annual Production Capacity: Enough to support ~1 million EVs
- Jobs Created: More than 300 new full-time positions
- Technology: Hipore™ lithium-ion battery separators
- Ownership: Joint venture between Asahi Kasei and Honda Canada
“This facility will help lay the groundwork to produce electric vehicles from start to finish by Ontario workers with Ontario-made components, bringing better jobs and bigger paycheques to communities across the province.”
— Premier Doug Ford
Government and Industry Alignment
This project is backed by both provincial and federal governments through direct and indirect incentives. It also complements the more than $45 billion in EV and battery investments Ontario has attracted since 2020.
“Asahi Kasei’s investment in Ontario’s auto sector represents a clear vote of confidence in our province’s world-class workforce, dependable supply chains, competitive business environment and reliable clean energy.”
— Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Ontario’s auto manufacturing industry already supports over 93,000 direct jobs, and this project will further expand economic opportunities in the Niagara Region.
Regional Support and Community Impact
Local leaders are enthusiastic about the positive impact the facility will have on the region:
“This project marks a historic investment in our community… I look forward to the transformative impact and exciting opportunities this state-of-the-art facility will bring.”
— Bill Steele, Mayor, City of Port Colborne
“We are establishing a center of excellence here in Port Colborne that will position Asahi Kasei as a leader… helping drive the energy transition forward with cutting-edge technology.”
— Hiroyoshi Matsuyama, Senior Executive Officer, Asahi Kasei Corporation
“This transformative investment highlights our region’s readiness and dedication to fostering innovation and growth…”
— Jim Bradley, Regional Chair, Niagara Regio
Why This Matters
This facility helps connect the dots in Ontario’s EV supply chain—from northern mineral extraction to southern battery and vehicle assembly. By producing separators locally, Ontario reduces reliance on imports and supports cleaner, more resilient manufacturing.
“Asahi Kasei’s separator facility will not only catalyze economic growth; it forms a critical link in Ontario’s EV battery supply chain by producing an essential component at scale.”
— Jennifer Block, Interim CEO, Invest Ontario
“Canada is one of the few countries in the world that has everything it needs to be a global leader in EV and battery manufacturing.”
— François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada
Conclusion
With construction underway, Asahi Kasei’s plant is poised to become a cornerstone of Ontario’s clean-tech future. It reflects global confidence in Canada’s capabilities and cements Port Colborne’s place on the map as a hub of innovation and green manufacturing.
Stay tuned as phase one continues through to 2027, with more announcements expected regarding the project’s full scope, future jobs, and long-term government support.
Reference
For full details, see the official Ontario government news release: Asahi Kasei breaks ground on electric vehicle battery separator plant in Port Colborne