BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is on schedule to begin producing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in 2026 for Ford’s upcoming electric vehicles. Ford has recently received a revised incentive offer from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Michigan Strategic Fund, reflecting the updated scope of the project as announced last November. The agency has also adjusted its incentives for another job-creation initiative involving multiple Ford facilities in Michigan, originally announced in June 2022 and later revised to include a new shift at the Michigan Assembly Plant, incorporating employees from the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center.
Once completed, these projects are expected to create or retain up to 1,700 jobs in Michigan. Since 2022, several thousand of these positions have already been added or maintained, raising Ford’s workforce in the state to over 44,000 employees.
Tony Reinhart, Ford’s director of state and local government affairs, expressed gratitude for the support from the Michigan Strategic Fund board and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We appreciate their commitment as we build on Ford’s legacy of job creation and investment in Michigan. Our manufacturing operations are adapting to meet evolving customer demands, and the revised incentives reflect that flexibility.”
The BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is set to benefit from the advanced manufacturing production tax credit under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. The plant is projected to generate more than 1,700 jobs and is currently assembling its leadership team under Scott Davis, CEO of BlueOval Battery Michigan LLC, a Ford subsidiary and long-time Marshall resident.
The facility aims to achieve an annual LFP battery production capacity of around 20 gigawatt hours, with operations starting in 2026. These batteries will be integral to powering Ford’s future electric vehicles.
Lisa Drake, Ford’s vice president of electric vehicle programs and energy supply chain, emphasized the plant’s role in making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable. “BlueOval Battery Park Michigan will be crucial in producing low-cost LFP batteries domestically, reducing reliance on imports. We are making significant strides in establishing the first automaker-backed LFP battery plant in the U.S.”
Environmental and Community Initiatives
Construction at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is about 20% complete. The main facility will cover nearly 1.8 million square feet and include a cell plant and pack plant, with additional buildings bringing the total area to approximately 2 million square feet. The site spans 500 acres, with an extra 230 acres now available for future commercial use by the Marshall Area Economic Development Authority. Additionally, Ford has set aside 245 acres along the Kalamazoo River for conservation, ensuring it is protected from industrial development. Ford Philanthropy has donated $100,000 to Calhoun County to create a plan for utilizing this riverfront land.
Ford is committed to environmental protection and community welfare. A stormwater management system is being installed to minimize runoff, and chemical storage structures will feature advanced safety measures. The plant will also use air abatement technology to meet high standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Michigan.
Community Contributions
Ford’s contributions to the local community are nearing $450,000. In response to a survey of over 1,300 Calhoun County residents, Ford has donated $200,000 to support key community assets, including the Brooks Memorial Fountain in Marshall, Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, and the Bohm Theatre in Albion.
Additional recent investments include:
- $50,000 to the Calhoun County Fairgrounds for community events, including the 175th annual Calhoun County Fair
- $35,500 to the Wilder Creek Conservation Club for a new riding mower
- $25,000 to the city of Marshall for tree planting to restore its Tree City USA status
- $22,000 for a new marquee at the Franke Center for the Arts
- $10,000 for the Marshall Bucks matching program to support local small businesses
Gabby Bruno, Ford’s community relations director, highlighted the company’s dedication to being a supportive neighbor. “We recognize the excitement about the economic opportunities BlueOval Battery Park Michigan brings and share the community’s passion for preserving Calhoun County’s historic charm. We are committed to continuing our support for the causes most valued by the community.”
How can we help you?
Searching for an opportunity in the construction industry? Contact The Birmingham Group’s team of seasoned commercial construction recruiters today to discuss your career path or browse our open positions.
Are you a hiring authority in need of construction talent? Submit a search request today.
