BOWLING GREEN, KY., August 30, 2022 – Envision AESC, a world-leading Japanese electric vehicle battery technology company, along with Gov. Andy Beshear, broke ground today on its state-of-the-art gigafactory in the Kentucky Transpark in Bowling Green, Warren County. The 30 GWh plant will create 2,000 new, skilled jobs for the region, producing battery cells and modules to power the next-generation EVs produced for multiple global automotive manufacturers.
“When Envision AESC announced plans to locate in the commonwealth four months ago, it solidified Kentucky’s place as the leader in the emerging electric-vehicle sector. Today’s groundbreaking signifies another major step forward for Envision and our state,” Gov. Beshear said. “I want to once again welcome this incredible company to Kentucky. The 2,000 jobs associated with this project will greatly benefit families throughout the region and set the foundation for even more growth in the future as we continue to build out a supplier network to serve Envision’s needs.”
Today's groundbreaking of Envision AESC’s approximately 3 million-square-foot Kentucky operation marks the next step for one of the largest economic development projects in the state’s history and further establishes it as a leader in the automotive industry of the future. The company will produce new generation battery cells that provide 30% more energy density than the current generation, leading to reduced charging time and increased range and efficiency for EVs. The Bowling Green operation is expected to power up to 300,000 vehicles annually by 2027.
“Envision is delighted to join with Kentucky and Bowling Green today to break ground at the site of our new state-of-the-art gigafactory,” said Envision AESC U.S. Managing Director Jeff Deaton. “We are extremely grateful for the level of support they have shown to get us to this important point, which highlights the strength of our enduring partnership and shared ambition to be national leaders in the e-mobility transformation in the United States.”
“Our new gigafactory and supporting ecosystem will provide a catalyst for further investment in the local supply chain and whole lifecycle opportunities of batteries, creating thousands of new jobs in the heart of Warren County and securing Kentucky’s leading role in the automotive industry of the future,” Deaton added. “We look forward to developing the next stages of this important project together.”
The operation will make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for motorists by implementing high-tech capabilities to increase cost-competitiveness and technological expertise of EV battery production in Kentucky and in the United States. The gigafactory will be powered by 100% renewable energy, supplied by onsite generation and purchased locally from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
“This groundbreaking is a monumental event for our region and is the largest investment announcement our community has ever seen,” said Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon. “The economic impact of this project will generate $20 billion over the next decade, and at full employment, will generate over $233 million in new spending in the community annually.”
“We are thrilled that Envision AESC picked Bowling Green as their next home,” said Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott. “Their decision to choose us is a testament to our community, our schools, and our business community which we know Envision will be a vital and active member of for years to come”
Envision AESC leadership noted Kentucky’s strong automotive manufacturing base, skilled workforce, and excellent infrastructure as deciding factors in the site selection process. The commonwealth has a longstanding history of automotive production as the nation’s No. 1 producer of cars, light trucks and SUVs per capita and currently more than 525 auto-related facilities employing 100,000 residents across the state.
“We are ecstatic about Envision AESC’s decision to locate in South Central Kentucky and are honored to be celebrating this groundbreaking today alongside the community leaders whose collaboration made this possible,” said Ron Bunch, President and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
Year to date, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has announced five economic development projects in South Central Kentucky, totaling $2.28B in capital investment and creating 2,310 new jobs in the region. Bowling Green was also recently recognized for the ninth consecutive year as one of the Top 6 Tier 2 Metros in the United States by Site Selection Magazine. The Chamber has also been awarded the Mac Conway Award and recognized as a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the Country for a second straight year. Bowling Green and Warren County have also recently won a Community Development Award from the Southern Economic Development Council for communities over 100,000 people in recognition of the Transpark’s growth since 2020.
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About Envision AESC:
Envision AESC is a world-leading battery technology company headquartered in Japan and committed to research, development, design, manufacture and sales of high-power batteries and energy storage batteries. Envision AESC has 4,000 employees and 10 production plants in Japan, the U.S., the U.K., China and France. For the past 12 years, Envision AESC has produced high-performance, extended range batteries for more than 650,000 electric vehicles in 44 countries, achieving a record of ‘zero critical battery malfunction.’ In June 2021, Envision AESC was again named on the ‘Global Tier 1 Battery Companies’ list by Benchmark, a leading U.K.-based lithium-ion battery supply chain research organization.
Envision AESC invests heavily in next-generation technology to drive innovation and works with its strategic partners to continually push the boundaries of performance, safety and efficiency. Its teams work with strategic partners to continuously improve the company’s global leadership in product development, quality and sustainable processes. Find out more at envision-aesc.com/us/About South Central Kentucky Economic Development:
South Central Kentucky Economic Development is an entity of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, a nationally ranked 5-Star Accredited Chamber. Located at thecenter of a 34-state distribution areain the eastern United States, South Central Kentucky is a prime location for manufacturing and distribution facilities. South Central Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 60% of the nation's population, personal income, and manufacturing business establishments. Bowling Green ranks second in the United States for best manufacturing city. In the past decade, the region has captured over four billion in capital investment, creating thousands of jobs within the region. To learn more please visit https://www.southcentralky.com/
