General Motors (GM) and LG Chemical say they will invest up to $2.3 billion in northeast Ohio to make battery cells for electric-powered vehicles, which will create 1,100 jobs in the area.
The companies plan to open a “highly technical plant” in the Lordstown area that will make car batteries for GM’s electric cars. Last month, GM sold its Lordstown factory to Lordstown Motors Corpan, which will make electric pickup trucks. Previously, the GM plant Chevrolet Cruze cars.
“With this investment, Ohio and its highly capable workforce will play a key role in our journey toward a world with zero emissions,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “Combining our manufacturing expertise with LG Chem’s leading battery-cell technology will help accelerate our pursuit of an all-electric future. We look forward to collaborating with LG Chem on future cell technologies that will continue to improve the value we deliver to our customers.”
When the plant opens, it expects to be one of the “largest battery cell producers” in the world with the potential to expand in the future. Construction for this new plant will begin in summer 2020.
GM is trying to become a leader in making battery-powered cars as more Americans become interested in this type of automobile. A study done by AAA found that more than 40 million Americans will consider buying an electric vehicle within the next ten years. In addition, Edison Electric Institute (EEI) projects there will be 30 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH-13) celebrated this investment in the area he represents.
“This is amazing news for the Mahoning Valley and all of Northeast Ohio. GM and LG Chem’s announcement to build an electric battery plant in Lordstown speaks to the unwavering commitment, strong work ethic, and innovative spirit of our community,” he said. “Electric vehicles are the future of our economy and transportation system.”
Furthermore, Mike DeWine called this new investment “great news for Ohio”
“Ohio is a major supplier state for the automotive industry, and the announcement that Ohio will be the location to manufacture next-generation electric batteries will mean more than 1,100 new jobs for Ohioans,” he said.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Battleground State News. If you have any tips, email Zachery at [email protected].
Photo “Lordstown Complex” by Lordstown Assembly.
[…] in December these two companies said their $2.3 billion investment in northeast Ohio would create 1,100 new […]
[…] in December these two companies said their $2.3 billion investment in northeast Ohio would create 1,100 new […]