CEAC-2022-08-August

News
Kansas Lands Panasonic Energy for $4B
Electric Vehicle Battery Megaproject
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently
announced that Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., plans to build
a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) battery facility in the
Kansas City Region.
The Kansas Department of Commerce, the Kansas City Area
Development Council (KCADC) and its partners shared that
the company’s plans — the largest economic development
project in state history — could create up to 4,000 new jobs
and result in an investment of approximately $4 billion.
Projected to be one of the largest EV battery manufacturing
facilities of its kind in the U.S., the company has identified a
site in De Soto, Kan., for this potential project, pending approval
by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors.
“With the increased electrification of the automotive market,
expanding battery production in the U.S. is critical to
help meet demand,” said Kazuo Tadanobu, President, CEO of
Panasonic Energy. “Given our leading technology and depth
of experience, we aim to continue driving growth of the lithium-ion
battery industry and accelerating towards a net-zero
emissions future.”
This planned state-of-the-art facility will create and supply
lithium-ion batteries and accelerate the future of electric
vehicle innovation on a global scale. Panasonic Energy’s
current U.S. battery manufacturing operation has shipped
more than six billion EV battery cells. Panasonic Energy plans
to expand its production of EV batteries as the automotive
industry shifts to more sustainable electric technologies. The
proposed development would boost the regional economy,
creating opportunities for suppliers and community businesses.
“As the largest private investment in Kansas history and one
of the largest EV battery manufacturing plants of its kind in
the country, this project will be transformative for our state’s
economy, providing in total 8,000 high-quality jobs that will
help more Kansans create better lives for themselves and
their children,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Winning
this project has shown that Kansas has what it takes to compete
on a global scale — and that our pro-business climate
is driving the technological innovation needed to achieve a
more prosperous and sustainable future.”
Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland
noted competition for this milestone project was strong and
required a coordinated effort from the state. A key component
of that undertaking was the enactment of the bipartisan
Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Act
earlier this year.
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| Chief Engineer
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has announced that Panasonic Energy Co.,
Ltd., has plans to build an electric vehicle battery factory facility in the
Kansas City area. With an expected investment approximately $4 billion,
the project would be the largest economic development project in Kansas
state history, likely creating up to 4,000 new jobs. (Evert Nelson/The Topeka
Capital-Journal via AP)
“Once Governor Kelly signed APEX into law,” Toland said,
“the state gained the necessary economic development tool
to pursue megaprojects that could transform the Kansas
economy. Panasonic recognized Kansas as not just a contender,
but as the ideal partner for this revolutionary project.”
Panasonic Energy selected Kansas due to its business-friendly
climate, robust talent pool and workforce skillset, support
for technology innovation, strong transportation infrastructure,
and central location. This builds on Kansas City’s legacy
manufacturing and automotive industry strengths.
“With this major development, Kansas is being recognized
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