New Ontario Volkswagen EV battery plant to create 3,000 jobs
CTV
A massive new Volkswagen electric-vehicle battery plant in southwestern Ontario will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs in the region.
A massive new Volkswagen electric-vehicle battery plant in southwestern Ontario will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs in the region.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and top brass from the German automaker are unveiling details of the new Volkswagen "gigafactory" that will be built in St. Thomas, Ont.
Volkswagen, the world's largest automaker, will invest $7 billion in the electric-vehicle battery plant, which will be operated by its company, PowerCo.
"We've landed the largest auto investment in the province's history," said Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli.
"It's not only a big win for the people of St. Thomas, but it's huge for Ontario."
Volkswagen's contract with Canada will include an upfront capital investment of $700 million and production subsidies for every battery the company makes and sells, amounting up to $13 billion over a decade.
Ontario will invest $500 million in direct incentives to the company and spend hundreds of millions more to build roads, utilities, police stations and fire stations in the area, Fedeli said.
