Kentucky’s BlueOval SK electric vehicle battery plants begin production

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear has confirmed production of electric vehicle batteries has officially begun in Glendale at the BlueOval SK Battery Park.

According to a release Tuesday, the production comes after the September 2021 announcement, where the governor and company leaders celebrated the $5.8 billion investment by Ford Motor Co. and SK On.

Officials say the investment is expected to create 5,000 jobs, 1,450 of which are already filled.

“Today, Kentucky marks a historic milestone four years in the making as production officially begins at two of the largest battery plants in the world, set to deliver EV batteries that will transform the automotive industry and the future of our commonwealth,” Beshear said. “This remains the single largest investment in the history of our state, and it sparked a surge of new investment and job announcements that placed Kentucky at the center of EV-related innovation. I am grateful to Ford and SK On leaders for believing in Kentucky and our workforce. Now is the time to do what we do best as Kentuckians: deliver results.”

In September 2021, Beshear, Ford Motor Co. and SK On announced the plans to build two electric battery plants on a site near Interstate 65 in Glendale.

Officials broke ground on the site in late 2022.