MARSHALL, MI (WTVB) Ford Motor Company has officially launched initial battery cell production at its new BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall.
The automaker announced that team members are now assembling their first full lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic cells, spanning from slurry and coating to final inspection, making the site the first automaker-backed plant to build these cost-effective batteries in the United States.
Currently ramping up “D-sample” cells for critical testing and validation, the facility remains firmly on track to supply production-ready cells by the end of the year for Ford’s next-generation Universal EV platform, which includes an upcoming midsize electric truck.
To maximize capacity amid fluctuating electric vehicle demand, the facility will also produce smaller residential energy storage systems under a new five-year framework agreement for Ford Energy.
The project has achieved massive localized milestones, recently transferring the 500-acre construction site directly to the subsidiary, BlueOval Battery LLC. According to updates from the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA), the facility already employs over 500 workers, with more than 70% of the staff originating locally from Marshall, Albion, Battle Creek and Coldwater.
Ford says they hav received over 11,500 applications to fill its immediate workforce goals, planning to reach 800 employees by the end of the year and eventually scaling up to a permanent workforce of 1,700 people.
Despite past local pushback and zoning litigation that was dismissed in the Michigan Court of Claims, area business leaders report a noticeable economic surge and increased foot traffic as hundreds of new neighbors and construction crews fill local establishments.
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