Amplify celebrates first year
When employees with Amplify Cell Technologies work they work hard, and when they play, they play hard, said CEO Kel Kearns.
More than 100 employees and their families got to play August 22 as a part of the Amplify’s first anniversary celebration. The team gathered at AutoZone Park in Memphis, Tenn., to watch a Redbirds game.
Kearns said taking time to pause is just as important as the company’s work.
“In this business, we’re very busy, so its very important to pause and celebrate important milestones, and take time to enjoy Amplify’s successes and to keep things in perspective,” Kearns said. “It’s important to get together and honor our over 100 employees and their families.”
At the game, Joe Palo, COO, of Amplify, threw the ceremonial first pitch. “This was a great venue for families and an exciting event to get people together,” Palo said.
Facility construction on schedule
Construction of Amplify’s 2.4 million-square foot battery manufacturing facility in the Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park in Marshall County, is on schedule, Palo said. The plant is nearing completion.
In year two, Amplify is preparing for installation of the equipment. In year three-testing the company will begin testing, validation and ramping up to production levels before the official opening in late 2027.
“The emphasis in year three is on top quality as employees learn how to build parts at the production rate.” Kearns said.
“It takes time to problem solve – a part of the normal launching process.” Community engagement Kearns said Amplify is pleased at the reception it has received locally. The company is partnering with Y on the Fly, a YMCA program that provides food to students and families in the area. Earlier this year, Amplify also supplied water and other resources to tornado recovery efforts in Slayden.
“We are trying to get close to the community, and those are two examples,” he said. “We’ve accomplished a lot over the first year.”
Preparing a workforce
Amplify plans to employ workers across numerous levels when the facility comes online.
To prepare, the company is working with three high schools, two in DeSoto County and one in Marshall County – to expose students to advanced manufacturing and create interest in a career with Amplify.
“Advanced Manufacturing is new to most people,” Kearns said. “So, we need to create interest for what will be a fulfilling, well-paid career. We partnered with high schools and community colleges and the universities to qualify students to come to Amplify.”
Pilot programs are underway in high schools and at Northwest Mississippi Community College, which has launched advanced manufacturing course modules and a non-credited “Battery 101” class for prospective and current employees.
At the University of Mississippi, advanced manufacturing is already offered along with degree programs that emphasize finance, IT (Information Technology) and HR (Human Resources).
Amplify is also conducting a professional talent search in areas such as supply chain manufacturing.
The company has spent over a year working to develop programs.
Kearns said faculty support has been strong.
“Pilot courses will likely lead, in time, to integration into the state-wide educational system,” Kearns said.
Accelerate Mississippi has been instrumental in launching a pilot course.
“Pilot courses will likely lead, in time, to integration into the state-wide educational system,” Kearns said. “The pilot is to get it right. It is a good introduction to people that sparks interest in people coming to work at Amplify. And it positively influences the state in implementing these courses in their curriculum.”
Internships and veteran outreach
Amplify has hosted U.S. Veterans as they transition to new careers and has provided internships to 15 students through a 10-week program. The internships focus on building confidence, strengthening communication and offering hands-on experience in the complexities of battery manufacturing.
Looking forward
Kearns said his vision extends beyond constructing a facility. “We’re building local opportunity and career opportunities in the state so people’s children can stay here in the state,” Kearns said. “So, for the region, it’s about creating good job opportunity in manufacturing, about economic vitality and about showing them world-class manufacturing can thrive here.
“That sense of shared purpose of community, the company’s success and personal fulfillment —community benefit — is what is driving us.
“We’re proud to be part of creating jobs and supporting local communities and businesses, for that will be a lasting effect for generations to come.”
Background
Amplify Cell Technologies is a new battery cell manufacturing facility under construction in Byhalia. In June of 2023, Accelera by Cummins, Daimler and PACCAR formed a joint venture company, JVCo, to localize a U.S. Battery cell operation and supply chain.
By April 2024, JVCo created Amplify Cell Technologies. That August, Amplify transitioned from operating under Daimler to becoming a standalone company run by its own employees.
In August 2025, Amplify marked its first year with over 100 highly-skilled employees of diverse backgrounds. The company says it aims to drive economic development and set the standard to “amplify a sustainable future” through local production of high quality battery cell technology for commercial vehicles and energy solutions in North America.
For more information, visit www.AmplifyCellTech.com or follow Amplify on social media.