Kansas — Panasonic announced plans to build a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Kansas.
Panasonic Energy, a Panasonic Group company, plans to develop the project which is expected to drive significant economic activity and opportunities for the local economy and could create up to 4,000 new jobs and result in an investment of approximately $4 billion.
The company has identified a site in De Soto, Kansas for this potential project.
“This project will be transformative for the Kansas economy, providing high-quality, high-tech jobs while bringing a new industry to the state that is forging a more sustainable future,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This is a significant milestone for Kansas that is sure to drive economic growth and development.”
“With the increased electrification of the automotive market, expanding battery production in the US is critical to help meet demand,” said Kazuo Tadanobu, President, CEO of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. “Given our leading technology and depth of experience, we aim to continue driving growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and accelerating towards a net-zero emissions future.”
Panasonic Energy plans to expand its production of EV batteries, as the automotive industry shifts to more sustainable electric technologies.
“Kansas has an impressive history of being home to a skilled manufacturing workforce,” said Kris Takamoto, Executive Vice President of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., Head of EV Battery Business. “We appreciate Kansas’s dedication to sustainability and its commitment to and growth in the clean and renewable energy space.”
The announcement comes five years after Panasonic Group began production of lithium-ion batteries at Panasonic Energy of North America (PENA) in Sparks, Nevada.
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