15 years ago, many of the team felt like they were part of something special. Today, we have that same feeling and are proud to be a part of this story. It’s still being written, but we have a good outcome in mind.
Q: Nano One’s newly acquired LFP production facility has been around for a while, making LFP before it was trending amongst global automakers. Tell us about the history of the plant.
In 2007, I started at Phostech Lithium [now Nano One] with my freshly printed master’s degree in Material Sciences from Trois-Rivières University. Many of us on the team have been here since the early days of developing first-gen LFP. For a lot of us, it was a first job, and having scientists like Michel Gauthier here was really inspiring. In hindsight, we were lucky to be here at that time.
We’ve gained global experience as progressively larger manufacturing companies acquired us, with Johnson Matthey—a global leader in sustainable technologies—being the last owner.
Over the years, we found that in larger corporate structures, our recommendations on how to optimize processes were not always acted upon. Eventually, our spirit of innovative curiosity started to diminish.
Nano One has encouraged collaboration and a spirit of innovation, empowering us to challenge and optimize processes.
This has reignited the same innovative energy and excitement that we felt 16 years ago. It is great to see how well we are positioned. As someone who has been at this for a while, it’s exciting to see the other investments in critical minerals, cell production and the shift to EVs in North America. We are ready to maximize our potential!
Q: What are some challenges with scaling-up Nano One’s processes?
One challenge is reintegrating the spirit of collaboration while inspiring people to be disruptive and innovative. My job is to encourage everyone to recognize they have value to add. North America lacks experienced cathode manufacturers, so all the know-how we have here really matters. It is all hands on deck.
Another challenge is integrating the new process while managing regular administrative changes and building for the first commercial-scale testing of the One-Pot process. Nobody has ever done this before. Alignment between our team across Canada also means developing trusting relationships. And it is working! We’re moving fast, and we’re learning.
Q: Where do you see Nano One in 5 years?
Nano One’s approach is different so we’re making sure we learn and scale in a thoughtful manner that could be taught to others.
We’re leveraging our knowledge and equipment to create a blueprint that will resonate with cathode material producers globally.
I see Nano One operating cathode plants and deploying some of the teams to other manufacturing facilities to show them what we learned and change their process, making us part teachers and part producers. Essentially, we’re building a blueprint for the global adoption of the One-Pot process.
What does seeing the immense opportunities for Québec and Nano One mean to you?
Seeing the world recognizing the potential of Quebec and Nano One means a lot to us. We’ve believed Quebec has what it takes to succeed for years, which has driven us to overcome challenges.
15 years ago, many of the team felt like they were part of something special. Today, we have that same feeling and are proud to be a part of this story. It’s still being written, but we have a good outcome in mind.
Jasmin loves his job because it allows him to combine his background in R&D with his experience in manufacturing and management. He enjoys being able to innovate and drive people to understand science on a deeper level.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on his parent’s farm, participating in outdoor activities, and playing volleyball.
Disclaimer
This interview is provided for informational purposes only and is based on the opinions and interpretations of the staff of Nano One Materials Corp. (“Nano One” or the “Company”) as of the date these insights are provided. None of the information or analyses presented are intended to form the basis for any investment decision, and no specific recommendations are intended. Accordingly, this does not constitute investment advice or counsel or solicitation for investment in any security. The Company shall not be held responsible for any direct or consequential loss or damage arising from the use of the information provided herein. This includes, but is not limited to, any interpretation, reliance upon, or other use of such information, as well as any inaccuracies, omissions, or typographical errors. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any that is incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. Any actions taken as a result of the information provided are solely at your own risk.
