MARSHALL, Mich. -- BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is a new Ford Facility that will create 1,700 new jobs in 2026 when it begins producing batteries for electric vehicles. 

Scott Wolfersberger, mayor of the City of Marshall, summed up the sentiment in the community.

"I believe that Marshall is better positioned to be that vibrant city that I grew up in with Ford BlueOval as a part of the community," Wolfersberger said. “Ford is truly a great American company, and we should all be proud that they selected Marshall as the place to invest for its long-term future."

Wolfersberger participated in a virtual press conference along with small business owners and local leaders in support of BlueOval Battery Park Michigan.

"As the owner of three small businesses in Marshall, the immediate and long-term positive economic impact of Ford’s investment cannot be overstated," said Michael Lounds, owner of the Bogar Theatre in Marshall as well as two other local small businesses, Pawfitters and TrailBlazers.

The Ford project in Calhoun County continues to achieve significant milestones since it was announced in February 2023.

These accomplishments include completion of critical water and sewer infrastructure projects and completion of steel construction for the 1.8 million-square-foot facility that will be Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan.

"Ford employees volunteer at community events and company representatives often reach out for feedback on how to support local organizations and projects. Ford often sponsors beloved activities, including last weekend’s Blues Festival." said Caryn Drenth, who owns two small businesses in downtown Marshall, Living MI and Handle & Hinge.

Production is expected to begin next year. 

"For decades, Marshall has been planning for a development like the one Ford is building," said James Durian, CEO of Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance. "It’s exciting to see a revered American company like Ford now on track to create new jobs and invest in its automotive future right here. This Ford project will allow the U.S. to compete with China and other economic adversaries, help strengthen our supply chain, and bring it back to the United States, all of which enhances our national security."