Sarnia-Lambton makes sales pitch to land EV supply chain plant
Already major players in the petroleum and chemical sectors, Lambton County hopes to be adding electric vehicle (EV) parts to its wide range of industry.
“We've been actively engaged with a variety of companies associated with the EV and EV battery supply chain,” said Matthew Slotwinsski, interim CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership.
He continued, “Were really encouraged to see the progress of some of these discussions. Our hope is that the Sarnia-Lambton area is able to land one of these investments in the near future.”
Honda recently announced they will be making EVs and batteries in Alliston, Ont.
They will also need two more supply chain plants.
“They look for communities with a culture of manufacturing as they need to be able to get up and running for very tight start up production,” explained Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturer's Association.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left to right), Honda executive Toshihiro Mibe and Ontario Premier Doug Ford walk along an assembly line at an event announcing plans for a Honda electric vehicle battery plant in Alliston, Ont. on Thursday, April 25, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
He continued, “They need a workforce that understands advanced manufacturing, and in a place where that workforce is typically committed to a company for years rather than a lot of turnover they see in places like the U.S. southeast.”
St. Clair Township hopes to be in the mix.
“We have a lot of industrial land here in the St. Clair Township, so we're open for business,” said Jeff Agar, mayor of St. Clair Township. “We have the places and fab shops. We’re just loaded here and we have the manpower.”
After seeing nearby Windsor and St. Thomas land major factories, Slotwinski believes Sarnia-Lambton is the “place to be” for a new investment for the supply chain. He touted how well they thrive when it comes to heavy industry.
St. Clair Township, Ont. Mayor Jeff Agar says his region is "open for business" when it comes to new industry investment. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
"We have large scale Greenfield heavy industrial land, with large utilities with capacities available,” said Slotwinski. “Additionally, our logistics infrastructure is fantastic. When you look at the access to roads, rail, water, and really the opportunity to present into Ontario facilities as well as those in the U.S. as well. We believe we are strategically located to see new investment.”
Volpe believes the major companies are contemplating a short list for their cathode active material and precursor processing plants.
“There's more than a few municipalities and regions that feel like they're in good stead for this including Sarnia,” said Volpe.
Sarnia-Lambton’s access to rail, roads and water makes them a strong candidate for new industry investment. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'The root cause': Canada outlines national action plan to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Prosecution rests in Donald Trump’s hush money case. The defence now gets its turn to call witnesses
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
'Next man up': Canucks coach, teammates bracing for Game 7 without Brock Boeser
Questions about how the team is going to handle the absence of star winger Brock Boeser from a do-or-die game seven dominated pre-game interviews with the Vancouver Canucks coach and players Monday morning.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.