LG Energy Solution opens workforce training center in Arizona
Battery maker on track to begin mass production of cylindrical batteries at end of 2026
LG Energy Solution has opened a workforce training center in Arizona, where the battery maker is building its first cylindrical battery plant in the US, looking to foster local battery professionals as it gears up to start mass production next year.
According to LG Energy Solution, the battery maker held a grand opening ceremony of the battery-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator in cooperation with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Pinal County and Central Arizona College on Friday.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerator is supported through a $30 million investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority to build advanced manufacturing training facilities across the state in partnership with local community colleges.
Located at Central Arizona College's Superstition Mountain Campus in Apache Junction, the newly opened training center will provide education focused on the manufacturing process of cylindrical batteries used for electric vehicles and other applications.
'We will create 1,500 new employment opportunities overall by 2027, significantly thriving the local economy and further cementing Arizona's growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing,' said Richard Ra, president of LG Energy Solution Arizona.
'This workforce training center at (Central Arizona College) will be a cornerstone of our effort, preparing a highly skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow for Arizonans by awakening their infinite potential.'
Ra noted that the construction of the cylindrical battery plant is about halfway complete and the company aims to begin sample production midway through 2026 and start commercial production by the year-end.
Besides the cylindrical battery production facility, LG Energy Solution's $5.5 billion battery manufacturing complex includes a plant for lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, pouch-type batteries for energy storage systems, or ESS. This facility is also expected to be completed and begin production next year.
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