LG Energy Solution is powering up Queen Creek, Arizona with the construction of a colossal $5.5 billion battery manufacturing complex, projected to reshape the regional economy and push the pedal down on America's clean energy drive. With an impressive production capacity of 53GWh per year, split between cylindrical batteries for electric vehicles and pouch-type batteries for energy storage systems, the facility is punching the clock to start production in 2026.
The dirt's been flying since last November and steel beams are now punctuating the skyline at the Arizona site. According to Queen Creek's official announcement, the LG Energy Solution Arizona branch is set to roll out its pioneering 46-Series cylindrical batteries by late 2025, with the ESS battery plant following its lead the subsequent year. "We expect the recruitment of our [launch team] members to begin late this year, and a full-scale recruitment to follow from the second half of 2025," Richard Ra, President of LG Energy Solution Arizona, told attendees at a stakeholder meeting at Combs High School.
Governor Katie Hobbs trumpeted the creation of the Future48 Workforce Accelerator during the event, a move seen as a vital conduit for Arizona's job-seekers to charge into the jobs of tomorrow. This initiative is a joint venture with multiple local partners, aimed to foster talents necessary to handle the facility's state-of-the-art operations. "These are the jobs of the future – and the State of Arizona is committed to being an active partner in ensuring Arizonans have the skills to fill these jobs," Governor Katie Hobbs was quoted saying in the town's news release.
Hyung Kim, Head of the ESS Battery Division, highlighted Arizona's rich solar resources as a prime factor in the decision to locate there. In a statement obtained by Queen Creek's news portal, Kim expressed, "Quality batteries made right here in the Copper State will reach every corner of America to provide power." Moreover, the complex doesn't just promise advancement in green technology. It's expected to generate several thousand jobs, signaling boom times for the local community and its workforce.
LG Energy Solution isn't new to the U.S. market, with another stand-alone facility in Michigan that's getting its own significant expansion. With this Arizona complex and others, such as them joint ventures with heavy hitters like General Motors and Honda, the company has firmly positioned itself as a leader in the battery production arena.
