Ford Motor Co. to build electric-vehicle battery plant in Marshall

MARSHALL TWP. — Ford Motor Co. Monday announced plans to build an electric-vehicle battery plant near Marshall.

The $3.5 billion investment will create roughly 2,500 jobs when production of lithium iron phosphate batteries begins in 2026. Ford has reached an agreement with China-based Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL) and will manufacture the battery cells using LFP battery cell knowledge and services provided by CATL.

The plant — BlueOval Battery Park Michigan — will be constructed on the Marshall Megasite, a nearly 2,000-acre parcel near the Interstate 94/69 interchange that local and state officials have been prepping and marketing for large-scale development for many years. Ford plans to develop 950 acres of the site, with room for expansion.

Neighboring residents, however, have repeatedly voiced opposition to development in the area, citing concerns over the potential for pollution, the loss of several historic farmsteads as well as a desire for the area to remain agricultural land.

Ford will own the physical structures, run the operations and employ the workers at the plant, with LFP battery cell technology and contractual services provided by Contemporary Amperex Technology.

“We are committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution in America, and that means investing in the technology and jobs that will keep us on the cutting edge of this global transformation in our industry,” Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Co., said in a statement. “I am also proud that we chose our home state of Michigan for this critical battery production hub.”

Once up and running, the battery production facility will add approximately 35 gigawatt hours per year of new battery capacity for Ford in the U.S. – capable of powering approximately 400,000 future Ford EVs.

The development comes as Ford seeks to diversify its EV battery offerings. Providing LFP as a second battery chemistry – in addition to nickel cobalt manganese – will allow customers to "choose an electric vehicle with unique battery performance characteristics most aligned with their needs."

Even before the plant opens, Ford said it will introduce LFP batteries supplied by Contemporary Amperex Technology on the Mustang Mach-E this year and F-150 Lightning in 2024 to increase production capacity, with a goal of reducing wait times for customers.

"Ford’s $3.5 billion investment creating 2,500 good-paying jobs in Marshall building electric vehicle batteries will build on Michigan’s economic momentum,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “Today’s generational investment by an American icon will uplift local families, small businesses, and the entire community and help our state continue leading the future of mobility and electrification.

"Let’s continue bringing the supply chain of electric vehicles, chips, and batteries home while creating thousands of good-paying jobs and revitalizing every region of our state."

The states of Virginia and Michigan have been among the finalists for the EV plant. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, criticized the project because it would include a Chinese technical partner and withdrew Virginia from consideration late in the process.

Earlier this year, the City of Marshall and Marshall Township approved land transfers to allow for utilities at the Megasite despite standing-room only crowds opposed to the measure.

Several residents gathered outside Marshall City Hall Monday with signs protesting development of the Megasite.

"I feel very worried about the future of Marshall if this comes to town," Marshall Township resident Sandy Richards said. "My grandchildren live here, and I want them to have the nice experience that I’ve had.”

Fellow township resident Leigh Rothwell said she's concerned about the lack of transparency in local government.

"We feel like we’ve been run right over,” Rothwell said. “(This development is) going to change our lives, pollute our land."

As part of the development, Ford said it will ensure 245 acres at the southern edge of the site are placed into aconservation easement, preserving the land "for generations to come" and protecting it against future industrial development.

The company also plans to work with local government officials and community leaders to preserve natural resources and recreation near the facility. The Ford Fund also will contribute resources to help the community explore how to best enjoy this land.

“The City of Marshall welcomes this exciting new partnership with Ford Motor Company,” Marshall Mayor Jim Schwartz said in a statement. “This investment in the local community will lead to an influx of new jobs to Marshall and economic development throughout the area. We are especially excited to support Ford’s conservation easement which will preserve Michigan’s natural beauty along the Kalamazoo River.”

James Durian, CEO of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA), said Ford's development of the Marshall Megasite will make a positive, lasting impact on the region for years to come.

“This innovative project will be a magnet for thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of new capital investment into our region which will help to improve the quality of life for our entire community,” Durian said. “This project will create an entirely new talent pipeline, preventing brain drain and helping to provide critical diversity to the regional economy.”

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com