With approximately 7,000 hectares of land, the Parc Industriel et Portuaire de Bécancour is one of the largest industrial parks in Canada. (Image: BASF/SPIPB)

With the investment, BASF intends to further expand production of cathode materials in North America and complement existing production sites. The chemical group produces cathode materials as part of a joint venture with Japanese company Toda Kogyo. Already located in Elyria in the US state of Ohio and Battle Creek in Michigan.

According to the company, the new location provides ample space to expand to 100 kt of cathode material per year with the ability to fully integrate the supply of related starting products. It is also well connected to BASF’s global metals sourcing network with a refinery for nickel and cobalt intermediates and the recycling of all battery metals (including lithium). These expansion opportunities are designed to support the group’s strategy to build a unified, closed network for battery materials across all key regions. Planning work has started for the project in Canada. BASF is targeting commissioning of the project in 2025, subject to the necessary permits.

“As new investments in electric vehicles and related infrastructure are regularly announced in North America, it is important for us to advance our own investments in this area,” said Dr. Peter Schumacher, head of BASF’s Catalyst Division. The regional supply chain is critical for the reliable and flexible supply of battery materials, the company said in a statement.

Lawrence River between Montreal and Quebec City, the new site offers favorable conditions for “highly efficient” logistics, according to BASF. With approximately 7,000 hectares of land, the Parc Industriel et Portuaire de Bécancour is one of the largest industrial parks in Canada. Port facilities are also connected. The new BASF is called The company’s “competitors” rely on hydropower.