EV battery plant project on track to finish by 2027

NEW CARLISLE, Ind. -- A deal has been set between General Motors and Samsung SDI to start construction on their $3.5 billion EV battery plant.

This agreement has been in the works since 2023, but the companies took some time in the agreement process, delaying the initial anticipated project completion time from 2026 to December 2027.

St. Joseph County Executive Director of Economic Development Bill Schalliol said one reason for the agreement delay was the two companies were working to find a compromise on minimizing the facilities environmental impact.

"So, part of the reason they haven't started building the building, is they really wanted to build a building that really met everybody's needs," said Schalliol. "So, Samsung's got a little different needs than GM. This is going to be a state-of-the-art building. One of the most technological advanced buildings you know in the region, so it'll be sustainable, they'll minimize their carbon footprint and all those kinds of things. It really is going to be a building that will last generations."

The plant is expected to bring $14.5 billion in investment to the New Carlisle community. It is also supposed to bring 1,600 job openings, which is 100 less than originally planned. Schalliol explained this is due to raising the planned average salary pay.

“The average wage is going to go from $24 an hour to about $40 an hour, so a huge increase in pay, so we’re looking at 1,600 employees that’s huge. It’s huge for the economy and are good jobs and good pay now, so we really think this is just a huge win,” said Schalliol.

Schalliol said the plant will begin hiring in late 2025 or early 2026.