14 Years Later, Community Celebrates Battery Plant and Good Jobs

LG Energy set to expand battery plant to meet demand

In 2010, LG Energy Solution opened its battery plant in Holland, Michigan, marking the beginning of a new era for the community. Fast forward to 2024, the plant has become a cornerstone of the local economy, providing good-paying jobs and a promising future for the region.

The LG Energy Solution plant, located near 146th Avenue, just west of I-196, has been a significant employer in the area since its inception. With a current workforce of about 1,500 people, including engineers, operators, technicians, human resources, and administrative staff, the plant has offered opportunities for growth and development to its employees.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) praised the company's commitment to the state, stating, "LG Energy Solution's $1.7 billion investment in Michigan will create 1,200 good jobs in West Michigan and enable us to continue to lead in building and deploying next-generation transportation solutions. Thanks to LGES' continued investment in our state – which spans more than a decade – Michigan's leadership role in battery manufacturing will only get stronger as the automotive industry moves toward an electric future. The impact of this win will be felt around the entire state for decades to come."

The expansion of the Holland plant is set to quintuple its battery production capacity to 25 gigawatt hours, meeting the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries. This growth is expected to create an additional 1,200 jobs by 2025, with an average wage of $1,257 per week, or about $65,000 annually, plus benefits.

Republican State Representative Mary Whiteford also expressed her support for the project, saying, "The LG Energy Solution expansion project into the city of Holland is very beneficial to the people in our district. I am proud to have this company's support and partnership for our community. The jobs created by these green initiatives bring 1,200 new jobs to our area. With this clean energy investment, our community will be an even better place to live, work, and play."

The economic impact of the LG Energy Solution plant extends beyond direct employment. West Michigan Works! is supporting the project with a workforce hiring and training plan valued at $5.18 million, ensuring that the local workforce is equipped with the skills needed to meet the demands of the growing industry.

As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, the future looks bright for LG Energy Solution and the Holland community. The plant's increasing production capacity and the creation of new jobs will undoubtedly have a positive ripple effect on the region's economy, supporting local businesses and fostering growth for years to come.

The LG Energy Solution plant in Holland, Michigan, stands as a testament to the power of long-term investments in clean energy and the potential for creating good-paying jobs while driving innovation. As the community celebrates the plant's 14th anniversary and looks forward to its expansion, it serves as a model for successful public-private partnerships that can transform local economies and contribute to a more sustainable future.