Ultium Cells completes steel building structure

The construction team hoisted and installed the final beam as part of a traditional “topping out” ceremony, which marked a construction milestone at what will be a 2.8-million-square-foot operation. GM and LG Chem are investing $2.3 billion in the facility to support EV manufacturing in the US, which the partners say will also boost local jobs, education, career training and infrastructure.

The facility, which is slated for completion in 2022 features a framework that allows for an open floor plan environment, with a main corridor spanning the width of the building interior and creating a natural connection point across the operation. It’s claimed the plant will have an annual capacity of over 30 gigawatt hours with room to expand.

“This is a significant milestone for the Ultium Cells team and our construction trade partners as we continue to build our physical foundation through the construction of our site, and our cultural foundation as we stand up our workforce,” said Tom Gallagher, operations director of Ultium Cells LLC. “Ultium Cells is on track to achieve our vision of an inclusive and engaged workforce as we add 30 more launch team members in March. It is exciting to see the team coming together to support the launch of this important business.”

Job seekers interested in careers in battery cell manufacturing can apply for open positions on the Ultium Cells website.