Ontario Construction News staff writer
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Columbia Premier David Eby and the Mayor of Maple Ridge last week announced funding for a major lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility to be constructed by E-One Moli in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
The plant will produce up to 135 million battery cells per year and become the largest factory in Canada for high performance, lithium-ion batteries,” said Trudeau. That means clean, made-in Canada batteries for tools used in sectors like construction and health care.”
High-performance lithium-ion battery cells are found in a wide range of products, including consumer electronics, such as vacuums, power tools, garden trimmers and medical devices.
“As our province builds a stronger, cleaner economy, we open the door to immense opportunities in the private sector that value B.C. as a centre for innovation, investment and cutting-edge technology,” said Premier Eby. “The new E-one Moli advanced manufacturing plant will create hundreds of good, local jobs and continue to establish B.C. as a leader in building a clean-energy future.”
The province s contributing $80 million to E-One Moli’s new facility that will anchor the company’s North American production. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $204.5 million to support the project, through the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net Zero Accelerator Initiative.
“British Columbians have long been known for their innovation in the clean-technology space. Today, as we secure a major clean battery manufacturing project in Maple Ridge, we build on that expertise to secure hundreds of middle-class jobs, while fighting climate change,” said Trudeau. “The world is looking to Canada. When we support projects like E-One Moli’s new facility in Maple Ridge, we bolster Canada’s role as a global clean-tech leader, create good jobs and help keep our air clean.”
Construction of the E-One Moli manufacturing facility is expected to begin in June 2024, and the facility is expected to be fully operational in 2028.
“Canada is becoming a global leader in battery manufacturing thanks to all our advantages – access to global markets, a highly talented workforce, and all the critical mineral resources necessary to make batteries,” said François-Philippe Champagne, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “E-One Moli is the latest company to establish a new battery manufacturing project in Canada, and I am excited to see their project come to fruition as their new facility will help expand the electrification of consumer products and offer new energy alternatives in sectors such as construction and health care.”