Ford bolsters battery manufacturing with Chris White’s new global role

Ford has promoted Chris White to the position of Chief Engineer – Global Battery Manufacturing Engineering. The promotion points to Ford’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its battery manufacturing capabilities as it continues its transition towards electric mobility. With a deep-rooted history in powertrain manufacturing and a proven track record in electrification, White’s elevation to this global role points to Ford’s commitment to accelerating its EV transition.

Sharing the news on a recent LinkedIn post, White wrote, ”I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Chief Engineer Global Battery Manufacturing Engineering at Ford Motor Company! I will be relocating to the USA in September.”

White’s appointment comes on the heels of Ford’s substantial investment in its European operations, notably the €2 billion transformation of the Cologne plant into an EV production hub. This focus on Europe, coupled with White’s leadership, suggests a concerted effort to establish a robust battery supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem across regions.

White’s previous role as Chief Engineer - Battery Manufacturing, where he oversaw battery pack assembly programs for EVs and hybrids, provides him with a solid foundation for his expanded responsibilities. His experience in leading consortium projects, such as E-Prime, focused on developing processes and equipment for next-generation electrified powertrains, further highlights his expertise in battery technology and manufacturing.

Key implications of White’s appointment include:

• Strengthened global battery manufacturing capabilities: White’s leadership could be instrumental in developing and implementing Ford’s global battery manufacturing strategy, ensuring consistency and efficiency across different regions.

• Accelerated EV production: By establishing a strong battery engineering organisation, Ford may be aiming to streamline battery cell manufacturing and pack assembly processes, ultimately leading to increased EV production volumes.

• Focus on European battery supply chain: White’s role in building up battery cell manufacturing and pack assembly systems in Europe aligns with Ford’s strategy of strengthening its European EV footprint.

With the automotive industry undergoing a rapid shift towards electrification, securing a reliable and efficient battery supply chain is paramount. Ford’s appointment of Chris White to this significant role demonstrates the carmaker’s recognition of this challenge and its proactive approach to addressing it.

By investing in talent and technology, Ford is positioning itself as a key player in the global EV market. The automotive manufacturing industry will be watching closely to see how White’s leadership translates into tangible results for the automaker.