April 17, 2025: German industrial giant Siemens is setting up a C$150 million (US$108 million) global EV battery manufacturing hub in the Canadian province of Ontario.

Invest Ontario confirmed on March 31 that the centre, located initially at Siemens Canada’s head office in Oakville, will be supported with a C$7.2 million forgivable loan through the Invest Ontario Fund, subject to reaching a definitive agreement.

The centre will deploy AI manufacturing technologies and cement the province’s leadership in the battery manufacturing sector by fuelling innovation across the supply chain, the agency said.

Invest Ontario’s incoming CEO Khawar Nasim said: “This investment marks an important milestone for Ontario’s growing leadership in battery manufacturing, and it is a testament to the province’s leadership in the automotive sector.

Siemens Canada has been present in Ontario since 1912.

Batteries International reported last May that Asahi Kasei is building an integrated lithium ion battery separator plant in Port Colborne, in the Niagara region of Ontario.

That facility will operate as Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada and should create highly skilled jobs in manufacturing and construction. Commercial production is planned to start in 2027.