Considering Automotive Training? What to Know about Asahi Kasei’s Plans to Build a Battery Plant in Canada
As the demand for EVs continues to surge, automotive school graduates and trainees are in high demand for advanced battery technology roles. One of the most exciting developments is Asahi Kasei’s plan to build a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario.
This development highlights the growing importance of specialized skills in the EV sector for students enrolled in ATC’s Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training program. Here’s why.
A Major Investment in Canada’s Automotive Future
Asahi Kasei’s decision to establish its first Hipore™ wet-process lithium-ion separator manufacturing facility in Canada is a significant milestone for the country’s growing role in the global automotive supply chain.
The company has invested approximately 180 billion JPY (about CAD $1.6 billion) in this project. Scheduled to begin commercial production in 2027, this plant will contribute to the production of EV batteries and create highly skilled, well-paying jobs in manufacturing and construction.
This development represents a golden opportunity for those pursuing automotive training. Asahi Kasei’s facility will likely require a workforce proficient in various aspects of automotive technology, from manufacturing to quality control. You can position yourself at the forefront of this growing industry by aligning your training with the skills needed in the EV and battery production sectors.
The Role of Hipore™ Separators in EV Batteries
The Port Colborne plant will produce Hipore™ wet-process lithium-ion separators, crucial components for electric vehicle batteries and other energy storage systems. These highly engineered microporous membranes act as barriers between the battery’s positive and negative electrodes, preventing short circuits while allowing lithium ions to pass through, thus ensuring the battery’s safety and efficiency.
With over 100 years of manufacturing expertise and a pioneering role in battery technology, Asahi Kasei is ideally positioned to manufacture these vital components on a large scale, impacting energy density, cycle life, and overall battery performance. Understanding these separators is crucial, and at ATC’s Surrey campus, students learn the fundamentals of EV battery technology, including safety systems and energy storage, preparing them for careers in this innovative field.
Economic and Community Impact
The decision to build this plant in Port Colborne is also a testament to the region’s potential as a hub for clean technology manufacturing. Backed by Ontario’s investment attraction agency, Invest Ontario, and supported by the federal government’s Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (ITC), this project will significantly boost the local economy.
Asahi Kasei’s plant will likely create numerous opportunities for ATC graduates, particularly those who have mastered the advanced hybrid and electrical systems training offered at our Surrey campus. This means there will be a growing demand for skilled professionals in the Niagara region, making it an attractive area for future employment.
Preparing for the Future After Automotive School
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, so must the training and education provided to those entering the field. With the rise of electric vehicles and the increasing importance of battery technology, it’s clear that the skills needed for automotive careers are shifting. Programs that offer training in areas such as EV technology, battery manufacturing, and quality control will be valuable in the coming years.
By enrolling in ATC’s automotive school, Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training, you position yourself at the forefront of the evolving automotive industry, ready to meet the demands of employers like Asahi Kasei.
Are you looking for in-depth hybrid and electrical mechanic training?
Contact ATC Surrey for more information.
