Another battery plant is making a big investment in Kentucky that is expected to bring 2,000 jobs. Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that Envision AESC is making a $2 billion investment in Bowling Green, Kentucky with a state-of-the art gigafactory producing battery cells and modules to power electric vehicles.
At the announcement, Beshear said Kentucky is the #1 producer of cars per capita in the nation with the automobile manufacturers in the state employing more than 100,000 Kentuckians. He said Envision AESC is a company that is reinventing the automotive industry, and this investment is another example of company leaders betting their future on the Commonwealth and its workforce.
Shoichi Matsumoto, CEO of Envision AESC Group, said Kentucky’s transportation accessibility, infrastructure, current pipeline, and other aspects were key as they made their decision to locate in the Commonwealth. He thanked Beshear and legislative leadership who “pulled out all the stops to make this happen.”
“This major investment builds on our commitment to the U.S. market, supports growth of the electrification supply chain and secures high-value jobs for future generations in the region. This commitment takes us one step further toward our ambition to make high-performance, longer-range batteries for a diverse range of automotive manufacturers worldwide to support the EV transition,” said Matsumoto.
The gigafactory will be approximately three million square feet and will be powered by 100% renewable energy, which will be supplied by onsite generation and purchased locally from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
The announcement comes during the final two days of the 2022 legislative session where lawmakers have been working to pass the next two-year budgets for the state. Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said at the announcement lawmakers have worked with the governor’s office to put money in the budgets to ensure Kentucky has the transportation, education, water and sewer infrastructure, and other necessities to secure this investment.
Stivers applauded the leaders of Warren County and Bowling Green for their foresight to develop the area over the years to be ready for an investment like this. He added the announcement highlights what can be achieved when people from all levels work together.
House Speaker David Osborne said Kentuckians like to set records when it comes to horse racing, basketball, and now the largest investment in the history of southeastern Kentucky. Osborne noted the few hours remaining in the legislative session and said great things happen when Kentuckians are pulling in the same direction. He added that the General Assembly will continue to work toward the type of progress that ensures Kentucky is a great place to live, work, and do business, which makes investments like this one possible.
Other lawmakers from the Bowling Green area and local leaders spoke about the transformational announcement that will change the region.
Beshear said Kentucky is now “the destination” and is on track to never be a flyover state again.
Be the first to comment on "New $2 billion investment from Envision AESC battery company to bring 2,000 jobs to Bowling Green"