A Japanese company is exploring the possibility of establishing a $1.6 billion lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing plant in Manitoba. The proposed location for the facility is a piece of city-owned land near the West End Water Pollution Control Centre, in close proximity to Wilkes Avenue and the Perimeter Highway. The facility is expected to cover an area of 1,200 square meters and create over 700 job opportunities.
The project’s expansion will be carried out in four phases, with a target completion date set for 2030. The primary product of the facility will be lithium-ion battery separators, which are essential components for all types of lithium-ion batteries. Manitoba’s competitive advantage lies in its low energy costs due to hydroelectric power and its proximity to lithium deposits, making it an appealing location for the facility.
A provincial spokesperson, in a statement to 680 CJOB and Global News, emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering economic growth and job creation, as well as collaborating with business leaders to attract investments and opportunities to the region. However, no specific details regarding the proposal were provided by the spokesperson.
Community concerns have been raised regarding the identity of the Japanese company, the potential impact on Manitoba’s mining sector, the level of subsidies the company may seek from the government, and the wages and working conditions for employees at the facility. As of now, the name of the Japanese company has not been disclosed.