FAYETTE COUNTY, Ohio — It was a day a lot of people have been waiting for.
Honda and LG Energy Solution broke ground on the new $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Fayette County on Tuesday.
When this plant is eventually up and running near Jeffersonville Ohio, not only is it expected to bring more than 2,000 jobs, but it’s expected to serve as a springboard to keep a committed workforce growing in this part of the state.
Officials from state and local governments came to their support for the massive project.
The goal is to start mass production of advanced lithium-ion batteries by 2025.
“Geographically it’s a perfect spot for this joint venture. We call it a sweet spot between Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati. It’s a great location and centrally located to Honda operations so those two factors are definitely key for our choice,” said L-H Battery Company, Inc. COO Rick Riggle.
The joint venture to make these types of batteries in the United States to power Honda and Acura EV models is expected to make a big impact on the state.
“Honestly I think the most critical thing is how we communicate and treat our associates and I think that’s where it’s really going to be critical that we treat everybody with respect and ensure that there is a very strong career path,” said L-H Battery Company, Inc. CEO Robert Lee.
Officials are expecting the plant to be ready by late 2024.
