Battery cell megasite breaks ground
Excitement was contagious at the groundbreaking for a vehicle battery cell manufacturing facility at its megasite off Highway 72 in Marshall County, Thursday, June 28.
Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries that will power trucks will be made at the 500-acre facility.
Amplify Cell Technologies has joined with Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Trucks and Buses US Holding LLC, and PACCAR to manufacture battery cells that promise to decarbonize America’s highways and interstates and transform the commercial transportation industry.
Some of the talking points covered during the auspicious line up of event speakers included:
• the 500-acre site will be home to a 2-million squarefoot manufacturing facility.
• the production of battery cells is expected to begin in 2027.
• the plant will create over 2,000 U.S. Manufacturing jobs.
• the project is the largest payroll commitment in Mississippi’s history.
• the facility will produce lithium iron phosphate electric battery cells to meet the growing electric commercial vehicle market in America.
• the partners, Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck and PACCAR, have committed to a $2 billion to $3 billion investment.
• the venture will support a $130 million annual payroll.
• the project will add much needed stability to the heavy truck supply chain.
• the megasite was purchased by Marshall County for $16.5 million to attract a large manufacturing industry. Marshall County has purchased two properties totaling approximaley 1,370 acres. The 500-acre site is located on this property.
• the construction alone will create 3,000 jobs.
• the Tennessee Valley Authority has made a strong commitment to provide power to the site.
• the project will have the largest payroll and is the third largest corporate investment in Mississippi.
• the annual salaries are expected to be in the $66,000 range.
Speaking on behalf of the Marshall County Board of Supervisors, Charles Terry said the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority teamed up with the board of supervisors and the Tennessee Valley Economic Development team in site identification of the Curl/West properties in 2018 for the future location of an industrial megasite by investing $16.5 million to acquire the property.
“Every team makes sure everything works perfectly,” he said. “Marshall County is not just a good place to be from. It’s a good place to be in.”
In welcoming partners, Bill Renick, board member of the Tennessee Valley Authority, said, “I love it when a plan comes together. I may be the most excited person in this building. This is home to me.”
He recognized the joint venture partners and Accelerate Mississippi and Gov. Reeves for their role creating the partnerships.
“The success of this group has been phenomenal. This project is going to come in within the budget and to your satisfaction,” he said.
“Today is a special day to have a great day in Marshall County,” said Reeves. “Your team and our team has worked tirelessly to get to this point.”
He said the creation of the the Cummins, Dailmer, PACCAR and Amplify Cell Technology joint venture “speaks volumes to your commitment to our country.”
“We’re proud to welcome all of you to the State of Mississippi. Our people will not let you down. Zero-emissions… have a critical role to play in our economy.”
He said the goal of the project requires public/private partnerships.
“This is Mississippi’s Time,” Reeves said. “I’m excited about changing technology for the future of America and the future of the world.”
Dailmer President/CEO John O’Leary thanked Gov. Reeves for his personal investment in time and effort to shepherd the project.
“We call this moment at the speed of right,” he said, touting the affordability of a zero-emission fleet. “The partners will establish heavy-duty trucks and platforms,” he said.
The industry will deliver carbon-neutral energy.
“It will also add to a much needed stability to heavy truck supply chains,” he said. “Cindy Hyde-Smith, Governor, you are so right to be a really great day in Mississippi,” he said. “It is so exciting when you see dirt being moved. Nothing could be more exciting than to work with great people, so capable of putting this together.”
He praised Yates Construction for doing a yeoman’s job, a Mississippi company that stands tall.
Amplify Cell Technology CEO Kel Kearns praised PACCAR for putting the right parts in the right place at the right time. He said it is a milestone for the transportation industry.
“It’s a really fun time for the trucking industry,” he said, comparing it to Silicon Valley. PACCAR has opened an engine factory in Columbus.
“We are now proud to contribute to Marshall County and its growth,” he said. “If you step out and choose Mississippi, you won’t do it alone. You are worth going over the top for.”
He said the salaries give people the dignity of a job, of a livelihood, the dignity of a career.
Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck and PACCAR each own 30 percent of Amphlify Cell Technologies. EVE Energy, as technology partner owns 10 percent and contributes its industry-leading battery cell design and manufacturing expertise to the partnership.
The partners are committed to leading the commercial vehicle industry’s transition to zero-emissions technologies and reducing carbon emissions consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement.