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BlueOval SK Kentucky 1 Plant in Glendale, Kentucky. (Photo courtesy of SK On) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Glendale, Kentucky, USA — BlueOval SK, the U.S. joint venture between SK On and Ford Motor Company, announced on August 19 (local time) that it has commenced its first commercial production at the Kentucky 1 Plant in Glendale, Kentucky.
The 37 GWh facility will supply batteries for Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck and E-Transit commercial van, with plans to expand production to power future Ford and Lincoln EV models.
Michael Adams, CEO of BlueOval SK, stated:
“We are proud to begin producing batteries at the Kentucky 1 Plant to power the next generation of electric vehicles. This launch marks a significant milestone in strengthening our position in the EV battery market.”
BlueOval SK plans to hold a commemorative event in the coming weeks with its 1,450 employees to celebrate the start of commercial production. Notably, more than 90% of the workforce is composed of Kentucky residents, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the local community.
Established in July 2022, BlueOval SK represents a $11.4 billion joint investment by SK On and Ford to build three battery plants across Kentucky and Tennessee. The company will determine the operational timelines of the Kentucky 2 Plant and Tennessee Plant based on market demand and business conditions.
For SK On, which already operates its standalone “SK Battery America” plant in Georgia, the Kentucky 1 Plant marks a major step in expanding its U.S. production footprint. With the U.S. government emphasizing localized EV battery supply chains, SK On expects the new facility to enhance its ability to respond flexibly to customer demand in the years ahead.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
