LG Energy Solution Michigan Inc.’s new electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant in Holland has achieved a key construction milestone with the completion of its structural steel framework. The final beam was placed during a “topping out” ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of this critical phase of the expansion project. 

To date, the project has seen nearly 525,000 man-hours invested, with over 18,000 steel components fabricated, shipped, unloaded, and erected—totaling 16,000 tons of steel. 

“This topping out ceremony is a significant milestone in our construction process, representing the successful completion of the most challenging and crucial phase of the project,” said Charles Hyun, president of LG Energy Solution Michigan Inc. “It symbolizes our progress and provides an opportunity to thank the workers and teams whose hard work and dedication have made this possible.” 

New EV Battery Plant Provides a Local Economic Boost 

Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will feature advanced manufacturing, testing, and warehousing capabilities, with high levels of automation. The plant will increase the company’s lithium-ion battery production capacity from 5GWh to 25GWh, creating over 1,000 well-paying jobs in the local community and surrounding area. Construction began in 2022 and is expected to be finished by 2025. 

“As we celebrate the placement of the final beam, I’m thrilled about the opportunities this facility will bring to our community, as well as the important role this region will play in shaping the future of the automotive industry,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “This ceremony marks the beginning of thousands of good jobs for residents in Allegan and Ottawa counties.” 

With the structural steel now in place, the focus of the construction project will shift to completing the interior and exterior finishes, installing mechanical and electrical systems, and adding the final touches needed to bring the building to full operation. 

“This new plant is not only crucial for our local economy and the U.S. but also plays a vital role in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions,” Hyun added. “It serves as a reminder that every step we take toward sustainability and renewable energy is a step in the right direction, and we must continue investing in both the future of our planet and our economy.” 

LG Energy Solution has partnered with Yates/CCC JV as the general contractor, Ghafari Associates as the design partner, Faithful + Gould as the construction manager, and MidWest Steel as the structural steel fabrication and erection trade partner 

Final Thoughts 

The completion of the structural steel framework at LG Energy Solution Michigan Inc.’s new EV battery manufacturing plant marks a pivotal step forward in the company’s ambitious expansion project. This milestone reflects the hard work and collaboration of numerous teams, whose efforts have brought the plant closer to its goal of significantly boosting lithium-ion battery production capacity.  

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