NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Governor and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter today announced Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture of LG Energy Solution and General Motors (GM), will retool and diversify its Spring Hill, Tennessee, battery cell manufacturing operations.
Ultium Cells will invest $1 billion in its Spring Hill facility, which is expected to be the first in the world to produce prismatic lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery cells in mass production, a technology that offers energy density 33% greater than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) — today’s leading affordable battery chemistry — but at a comparable cost.
Facility modifications will begin later this year and are expected to be completed in 2028. Today’s announcement builds on a partnership between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries and on GM’s long legacy of American ingenuity that’s produced innovations like the small-block V8 engine, OnStar connected vehicle services and hands-free Super Cruise.
GM and LG Energy Solution originally announced their joint venture in 2021, pledging to create 1,300 jobs and with an investment of more than $2.3 billion. In 2022, the two companies announced an expansion at the facility, creating another 400 new jobs and investing a further $275 million.
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“When GM and LG Energy Solution announced their joint venture in 2021, we knew it would create new opportunities for more than 1,000 Tennessee families. I’m grateful for Ultium Cells’ continued investment in our state and the confidence they’ve placed in Tennessee’s highly skilled workforce and look forward to building on our partnership in the years ahead.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Tennessee remains well-positioned in the automotive industry to build upon the decades of success we have experienced. A further billion-dollar investment from Ultium Cells signals confidence in our efforts to make Tennessee the best place to live, work and raise a family, and I’m grateful to their leadership for recognizing the opportunity that exists in our state.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“Establishing LMR prismatic cell production at Ultium Cells in Spring Hill is a key step in GM’s strategy to match the right battery technology to customer needs and strengthen our leadership in domestic battery manufacturing and innovation. High-nickel batteries will continue to give customers the highest range in our portfolio, while adding LMR positions us to leapfrog today’s more affordable chemistries and deliver lower costs with better performance. This flexibility allows us to scale efficiently, reach more customers, and support GM’s long-term EV strategy and profitability journey.” – Kurt Kelty, vice president of battery and sustainability, GM
“This marks Ultium Cells’ second major investment in Spring Hill and reflects the company’s continued growth as a diversified battery cell manufacturer. By evolving production to meet changing market demands, Ultium Cells is reinforcing its long-term position as a key employer and technology leader in the U.S. battery cell sector.” – Injae Pahk, president, Ultium Cells
“Ultium Cells’ $1 billion expansion is a tremendous investment in Spring Hill and a vote of confidence in the skilled Tennesseans who work there. Producing this new battery technology here will strengthen our community’s role in automotive manufacturing and help drive Tennessee’s economy forward.” – Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald)
“Ultium Cells has been a valued community partner in Maury County for many years, and I’m excited they have decided to continue investing here. Our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and business-friendly policies are driving Tennessee’s growing automotive industry. I congratulate the company’s dedicated employees and look forward to their continued success.” – Rep. Kip Capley (R-Summertown)
About Ultium Cells
Ultium Cells is a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution that will mass-produce Ultium battery cells to advance the push for a zero-emissions, all-electric future.
Ultium Cells provides battery cell capacity to support GM’s North American electric vehicle assembly, while supporting other mobile and stationary energy storage opportunities. For more information about Ultium Cells, please visit www.ultiumcell.com.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Media Contacts
Ultium Cells
Katie Burdette
Communications Manager
(330) 718-0391
kburdette@ultiumcell.com
TNECD
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov