Umicore Delays Ontario Battery Materials Plant and Implements Workforce Adjustments

Umicore, a Belgium-based leader in battery materials, has delayed building its plant in Loyalist, Ontario. This decision comes as part of a broader strategic review under CEO Bart Sap. The project, initially focused on mined materials, might later include recycling capabilities. The company has shifted its focus to optimizing existing operations instead of expanding.

Strategic Shift: Optimizing Existing Capacity

Umicore has decided to focus on maximizing its current production capacity. Instead of building the Loyalist plant, it will fulfill its long-term agreement with AESC for high-nickel cathode active materials (CAM) from its Cheonan plant in South Korea. This shift highlights Umicore’s focus on optimizing efficiency using its existing facilities.

Workforce Adjustments and Future Plans

As part of this strategic pivot, Umicore will reduce its workforce by 260 employees. The cuts will mainly affect its plant in Jiangmen, China, and corporate roles. The company will also consolidate its R&D efforts, moving heavy-duty diesel research from Denmark to Germany to improve efficiency. These measures are expected to save about 40 million euros ($43 million) by 2025.

Umicore reassured stakeholders that the Loyalist project remains eligible for Canadian government incentives. The Loyalist office will remain operational to support future development when construction resumes.

Adapting to Market Shifts

The delay of the Loyalist plant and workforce reductions reflect Umicore’s response to the growing electric vehicle (EV) and battery materials market. EV sales in North America continue to rise, and Umicore is adapting its strategy. The company is focusing on optimizing its South Korean assets to stay competitive as the automotive industry transitions to electric mobility.