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LG
Energy Solution opens workforce training center in Arizona
By Kan Hyeong-woo, The
Korea Herald - LG Energy Solution has opened a workforce training center in
Arizona, where the battery maker is building its first cylindrical battery
plant in the US, looking to foster local battery professionals as it gears up
to start mass production next year.
According to LG Energy
Solution, the battery maker held a grand opening ceremony of the
battery-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator in cooperation with the Arizona
Commerce Authority, Pinal County and Central Arizona College on Friday.
The Future48 Workforce
Accelerator is supported through a $30 million investment from the Arizona
Commerce Authority to build advanced manufacturing training facilities across
the state in partnership with local community colleges.
Located at Central
Arizona College’s Superstition Mountain Campus in Apache Junction, the newly
opened training center will provide education focused on the manufacturing
process of cylindrical batteries used for electric vehicles and other
applications.
“We will create 1,500
new employment opportunities overall by 2027, significantly thriving the local
economy and further cementing Arizona’s growing reputation as a hub for
advanced manufacturing,” said Richard Ra, president of LG Energy Solution
Arizona.
“This workforce
training center at (Central Arizona College) will be a cornerstone of our
effort, preparing a highly skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow for
Arizonans by awakening their infinite potential.”
Ra noted that the
construction of the cylindrical battery plant is about halfway complete and the
company aims to begin sample production midway through 2026 and start
commercial production by the year-end.
Besides the cylindrical
battery production facility, LG Energy Solution’s $5.5 billion battery
manufacturing complex includes a plant for lithium iron phosphate, or LFP,
pouch-type batteries for energy storage systems, or ESS. This facility is also
expected to be completed and begin production next year.
