Maple Ridge, B.C. Gets Major Economic Investment in Lithium Battery Manufacturing
December 12, 2023
Maple Ridge will become a key location in Canada’s lithium battery industry and the world’s non-vehicle battery supply, following a major new investment in E-One Moli Energy Canada by the Government of Canada and the Province of B.C.
The $280-million federal and provincial investment will enable the redevelopment of EOne Moli’s world-class facility in Maple Ridge to expand their manufacturing capacity of lithium-ion batteries.
Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Hon. David Eby, Premier of B.C. joined representatives from the City and E-One Moli at the announcement in Maple Ridge, along with Hon. Francois-Philippe Champagne, Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, and Hon. Brenda Bailey, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Innovation and Economic Development.
The investment will bring the largest manufacturing facility in Canada for non-electric vehicle lithium-ion battery cells to the Maple Meadows Business Park in the City of Maple Ridge. Once ready for operation in late 2027, the new plant will expand Canada’s capacity in the global battery supply chain for transportation and electronics applications, while bringing jobs and spin-off economic benefits to the community.
As part of the Government’s strategy on securing key battery manufacturing facilities, the Government of Canada will contribute $204.5 million to support the project, through the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net Zero Accelerator Initiative. The Government of British Columbia will contribute $80 million to the construction.
“E-One Moli is a valued and long-time employer in Maple Ridge and expansion of their new clean tech manufacturing facility is an economic milestone to support job creation and growth in Maple Ridge,” said Mayor Ruimy. “These investments will help secure 100 existing jobs and create up to 350 new jobs in a growing sector of Maple Ridge’s economy – making E-One Moli the largest employer in our community. This type of growth and investment in businesses like E-One Moli aligns with Council’s Strategic Priorities and the City’s economic development and climate action strategies, by diversifying the City’s tax base and contributing to investments in sustainable community infrastructure.”
He continued, “We thank the provincial and federal government partners for their significant financial investment in this project and for their support of this important industry and to our economy and environment. I also want to thank E-One Moli for working closely with the Council and staff every step of the way. This strong two-way communication has allowed us to get to this critical point with great efficiency, and the City will continue to work collaboratively with them toward their opening date and beyond.”
Tyler Westover, Director of Economic Development, noted that the project shows confidence in Maple Ridge’s local economy and will help the City achieve its economic development goals.
“This is a transformative project for the region and an immense opportunity for Maple Ridge and Canada,” Westover said. “Diversifying our local and regional economy with investments in high value use of our industrial lands, new employment, world class technology, and clean tech products will support our City and nation’s sustainability goals.”
