Asahi Kasei Breaks Ground on Battery Separator Plant in Ontario to Support EV Market

Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Corporation has taken a significant step in supporting the North American electric vehicle (EV) market by beginning construction on a new lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. The facility is expected to begin commercial production in 2027, subject to obtaining all necessary permits and approvals. It will operate as a joint venture between Asahi Kasei and Honda.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the plant was held on November 14, attended by several government officials as well as executives from Asahi Kasei and Honda. The facility is projected to create over 300 full-time jobs during its initial phase and will have the capacity to produce approximately 700 million square meters of coated lithium-ion battery separator annually. This separator is a crucial component of batteries, preventing short circuits by keeping the positive and negative electrodes separate while allowing lithium ions to pass through.

The project is set to enter visible construction phases in the coming months, including structural development and utility connections. According to Koshiro Kudo, President and Representative Director of Asahi Kasei Corporation, "This facility signifies a bold step in advancing innovation in battery technology. We are establishing a center of excellence here in Port Colborne that will further position Asahi Kasei as a leader in meeting the growing demand for electric vehicle battery separators across North America."

The Port Colborne facility will be Canada's first large-scale wet-process separator manufacturing plant, bolstering Asahi Kasei's energy storage business and contributing to its overall growth strategy. Battery separators are vital in enabling higher energy density and long-term durability in lithium-ion batteries, which are critical for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Local hiring has already begun, with more than five employees supporting the project's startup phase. In September, Asahi Kasei hosted a community open house in Port Colborne to provide information about the project and potential career opportunities. The company has also begun initial earthworks using provincial contractors, demonstrating its commitment to local engagement and economic growth.