LG Chem invest billions to build battery cathode plant for EVs in Tennessee

LG Chem announced an investment of $3.2 billion to build a battery cathode facility in Clarksville, Tennessee. This action represents the largest foreign direct investment in the state and is anticipated to generate 860 new jobs. The 420-acre plant is the largest of its kind ever built in the United States to support electric vehicle batteries.

“LG Chem’s decision to invest $3.2 billion in Clarksville is a testament to Tennessee’s unmatched business climate, skilled workforce and position as a leader in the automotive industry. I thank this company for creating more than 850 new jobs to provide opportunity to Tennesseans across Montgomery County,” said Governor Bill Lee.

According to a press release, by 2027, the plant would annually manufacture 120,000 tons of cathode material, which would be able to effectively charge the 1.2 million EV batteries with a range of 310 miles per charge. 

Technology from LG Chem’s smart factory will be implemented to automate the entire production process. This will establish a quality analysis control system that will later be benchmarked for all other cathode plants around the world. 

The choice of Clarksville as the location for LG Chem’s new cathode production facility highlights Tennessee’s rising stature as a center for domestic and international businesses. The significant investment suggests a successful partnership with the company in the years to come as part of ongoing efforts to draw businesses that strengthen Tennessee’s position in the EV field.

Clarksville’s mayor Joe Pitts commented, “This announcement is more good news for our community and further proves Clarksville-Montgomery county is on the right track in our economic development efforts.”

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