Portside

Today, Ford Motor Company announced that they would be building a new LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery plant in Marshall, Michigan, which will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.

“Ford got it right by building this plant right here in Michigan,” says UAW President Ray Curry.  “We supported the public investment into this facility as we know it will create good paying union jobs that will benefit the community and maintain strong wage and benefit standards in the auto industry.”

“This facility furthers Ford’s commitment to our members who make EV vehicles. Our members in Local 600 who produce the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, will install the LFP batteries in the Lightning starting next year,” says UAW Vice President and Director of the National Ford Department Chuck Browning.  He adds:  “Because of the foresight of collective bargaining, the UAW will be able to organize this new facility using a card check to prove majority interest.”

“This facility will create jobs for 2,500 workers starting in 2026,” adds UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes.  “We look forward to working with the new workforce to organize the plant.”