(The Center Square) – The Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance recently announced it “transferred” 500 acres of land to BlueOval Battery Michigan LLC for its building of the BlueOval Battery Park, located in Marshall.
BlueOval is a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Co. The land transfer now makes it the largest industrial property owner in Marshall.
The plant is expected to begin operating by 2026, producing lithium iron-phosphate batteries for all-electric vehicles, which will power Ford’s future electric vehicles.
“Ford has been an incredible neighbor and community partner, supporting dozens of programs and services across the region,” said James Durian, CEO of MAEDA.
Durian added that it has already created hundreds of jobs in the community.
“We’re excited to see progress on this project that has already created hundreds of local construction jobs in and around the Marshall Area Jobs, Opportunity and Recreation Campus, adding to foot traffic for our local restaurants, area shops and small businesses,” he said.
While originally set to create upwards of 2,500 jobs once operational and bring a $3.5 billion dollar investment from Ford, the project has since been scaled back.
After a brief pause, it is now expected to create 1,700 jobs, and Ford also cut its investment due to a slowing in the electric vehicle industry.
Throughout the project, taxpayer monies, both from the state and local Marshall entities, has played a critical role in funding.
Supported by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the project has received significant financial support from the state through grants and tax exemptions. This included $210 million in funding and a $772 million Renaissance Zone tax exemption over 15 years.
When Ford announced its plan to cut funding, Michigan followed suit, with the Michigan Strategic Fund cutting its subsidies.
Still, MAEDA has applauded the project as a “once-in-a-generation economic opportunity to create thousands of jobs and spark billions in investment for the Marshall community.”
To date, MAEDA reports Ford has invested more than $450,000 to fund a number of Calhoun County organizations and services, including local public schools, theaters, and the city itself.
Even with the setbacks, Scott Davis, CEO of BlueOval Battery Michigan LLC, said he still is hopeful the plant will open as planned.
“This is another positive signal that we are on track to begin production in 2026,” Davis said.
Elyse Apel is a reporter for The Center Square covering Colorado and Michigan. A graduate of Hillsdale College, Elyse’s writing has been published in a wide variety of national publications from the Washington Examiner to The American Spectator and The Daily Wire.
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
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