Ford Motor Company announces layoff of 1,600 battery plant employees
HARDIN COUNTY, Ky. – Ford Motor Company is laying off 1,600 battery plant employees in Hardin County, according to Hardin County officials.
Hardin County judge executive Keith Taul says the layoffs impact BlueOval SK in Glendale.
In a social media post by Hardin County Government on Tuesday, Taul says he is focusing on doing “whatever possible to help our impacted citizens have the support and resources they need to find new jobs. We are in communication with Ford, state officials and other stakeholders as additional details become available.”
The judge executive states he is “optimistic about Ford Motor Company’s decision to take over the Glendale facility.”
Taul says Ford has announced a “retooling phase” at the location as part of a broader plan to focus on emerging energy storage markets.
According to Taul, Ford plans to invest nearly $2 billion over the next two years and “indicated the creation of at least 2,100 new jobs.”
The post states this transitional phase of hiring “is not clear, but some sources indicate 18 months.”
“The Glendale facility is expected to support production related to lithium iron phosphate battery technology. These batteries are commonly used for large-scale energy storage, including data centers, utility infrastructure and commercial and industrial applications,” the post states.
In addition, Ford has announced plans to restructure several of its manufacturing sites and product offers in other locations and states, according to Hardin County Government.
“My commitment is to support long-term job opportunities, economic stability and responsible growth that serves Hardin County residents now and in the future,” Taul states.
In addition, CNN states Ford announced Monday that it is pausing the production of the F-150 Lightning, an electric vehicle.
CNN reports this change results in a financial hit of almost $20 billion.
However, CNN says Ford has said the loss will be “offset by strong quarterly sales of its traditional gasoline-powered trucks and SUVs.”
According to CNN, Ford and other automakers made investments in electric vehicles under Biden-era environmental regulations, however, those rules have been rolled back by the Trump administration, along with financial incentives for EVs.
