Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Victor Fedeli met with a top executive from PowerCo in early March 2026 to discuss how more local businesses can join the supply chain for the new battery factory in St. Thomas, Ontario. The meeting focused on making sure the $7-billion project uses materials like Canadian steel and minerals mined right here in the province.
During the talks, Minister Fedeli and PowerCo Chief Procurement Officer Dr. Alexander Schmitt confirmed that two Ontario companies have already secured initial contracts for the project. The goal of the meeting was to find more ways for local workers and businesses to provide the parts and services needed for the facility.
The massive factory is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs once it is up and running. According to the Government of Canada, the investment will also lead to thousands of other jobs at companies that support the electric vehicle industry across the region.
As construction moves forward, PowerCo is shifting its focus toward the daily operations of the plant. This phase involves setting up a steady supply of local components to build batteries for electric cars, which is a key part of the province’s long-term economic plan.
