Lisa Drake, centre, vice-president of EV Industrialization for Ford Model e, speaks with Quebec Premier François Legault, left, and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne following a press conference to announce the construction of a new Ford manufacturing plant in Becancour, Que., Thursday, Aug.17, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
BÉCANCOUR, Que. – Ford Motor Company has announced a new manufacturing plant in Quebec for components of electric car batteries.
The $1.2-billion collaboration between Ford and Korean companies ECOPRO BM and SK On is expected to produce up to 45,000 tonnes a year of cathode active materials – which determine the capacity and power of batteries.
The 280,000-square-metre site in Bécancour, Que., is under construction and represents Ford’s first investment in the province.
Governments will fund about half the project, with a $322-million loan from Quebec and a conditional contribution of the same amount from Canada.
Quebec Premier François Legault praised the announcement as evidence of the province’s growing leadership in the green economy.
Ford says the facility, located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, will create 345 jobs once it’s operational in 2026.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17, 2023.