LG Energy Solution Starts Lansing Battery Plant Production

LG Energy Solution has begun production at a 226-acre battery cell plant in Lansing, Michigan, where the company has invested more than $2 billion since 2022. The facility builds large-format cells for both energy storage systems and electric vehicles, and targets more than 35 GWh of annual capacity at full-scale production. LG Energy Solution reports the site currently employs about 900 people, a figure it anticipates will reach 1,700 at full capacity. The company describes itself as the largest battery manufacturer in North America.

Highlights

• 226-acre facility in Lansing, Michigan, backed by more than $2 billion in investment since 2022
• Targeting more than 35 GWh of annual battery-making capacity at full-scale production
• Workforce of about 900 today, anticipated to reach 1,700 at full capacity
• Part of a planned 50-plus GWh of North American LFP cell capacity by the end of 2026

What Does the Lansing Plant Produce?

The facility manufactures lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) cells for energy storage systems. Those cells are integrated by LG Energy Solution Vertech, the company’s U.S. energy storage division, into complete systems for utility, grid-scale storage, and other commercial and industrial applications.

The plant also produces higher-energy-density nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells for Toyota. According to LG Energy Solution, those cells will power battery electric vehicles including the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV, which will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Demand from utilities is the second pillar. The company says energy storage batteries built in Lansing will help utilities store and dispatch energy more reliably as U.S. power demand grows. DTE Energy, the Detroit-based diversified energy company, will be among the utilities using cells from the plant for future energy storage projects.

A Second Michigan Manufacturing Site

With the opening of the Lansing facility, LG Energy Solution now operates two plants in Michigan, in Holland and Lansing. The company reports investing more than $5 billion in the state since 2010, and also maintains its North American Regional Group and a research and development facility in Troy. By the end of 2026, LG Energy Solution expects its total Michigan workforce to exceed 3,300, placing it among the state’s top 50 employers.

“The state’s skilled workforce is a great fit for our high impact industry, and we expect to continue our partnership with Michigan well into the 21st century,” said Dae-sik Choi, president of LG Energy Solution Michigan. “The jobs at this facility pay well, offer great benefits and require creativity and problem solving at all levels. Unlike many other high-tech industries, battery making creates jobs for everyone, from hourly workers to advanced degree holders.”

David Kim, CEO of LG Energy Solution, tied the plant to demand beyond automotive. “Today marks a defining milestone for LG Energy Solution. Lansing will produce advanced batteries that support not only the future of mobility, but also America’s growing energy infrastructure and digital economy,” Kim said. “We are strengthening America’s battery ecosystem, expanding our manufacturing footprint and reaffirming our long-term commitment to the United States.”

Officials Mark the Opening

Attendees at the grand opening included Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, U.S. Representative Tom Barrett, and Sangwoo Hong, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago.

“Michigan is open for business and creating good-paying jobs building the future of cars, chips, and batteries,” said Governor Whitmer. “LG Energy Solution has called Michigan home for more than 20 years, and we’re proud to see that investment continue with the start of production at its Lansing facility. This project will create up to 1,700 good-paying jobs, helping more working families make it in Michigan. It’s part of our historic work to invest in clean energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, and battery storage in communities across Michigan. Let’s keep working together to grow Michigan’s economy, create opportunity, and build a bright future for our state.”

Burgum framed the plant in supply-chain terms. “Domestic battery production is foundational to America’s energy future – reducing dependence on foreign adversaries, driving good-paying American jobs and advancing the American Energy Dominance Agenda,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Michigan is uniquely positioned to help lead this effort with its skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise and the industrial capabilities needed to strengthen America’s domestic battery supply chain. The Trump administration is thrilled to see these vital manufacturing jobs returning to the U.S. and remains committed to ensuring we have the capabilities to build the technologies of the future here at home.”

“The Korea-U.S. alliance has evolved into a comprehensive strategic alliance including economic cooperation and cutting-edge technology. Today’s opening is a key milestone. The battery industry sits right at the heart of our shared strategic priorities,” said Sangwoo Hong, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago. “Michigan is a prime example of this strategic partnership. LG Energy Solution is expanding its presence across the United States. By growing from Holland to this new facility in Lansing, LG Energy Solution is solidifying Michigan’s position as a global hub for battery manufacturing.”

North American LFP Capacity

LG Energy Solution plans more than 50 GWh of total LFP cell-making capacity in North America by the end of 2026. The company says that capacity spans three wholly owned plants and two joint venture facilities:

By the end of this year, the company expects 80 percent of its global energy storage capacity to sit in North America. LG Energy Solution also states that batteries made in Lansing will help customers meet U.S. domestic content requirements.