LG Energy Solution Arizona marked a key milestone in its U.S. expansion efforts, hosting an event to update stakeholders on construction progress and inaugurate a new workforce training center. Held in Queen Creek, Arizona, the event highlighted the halfway completion of the company’s cylindrical battery manufacturing facility and emphasized its commitment to cultivating a local talent pipeline.

Executives and local leaders in attendance included Richard Ra, president of LG Energy Solution Arizona; Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA); Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and local officials from Pinal County and the Town of Queen Creek.

Richard Ra announced, “The construction of the cylindrical battery facility is now about halfway complete, with the aim to start sample production in the middle of next year and commercial production by the year-end.”

The facility is part of Arizona’s Future 48 Workforce Accelerator initiative, a public-private partnership involving LG Energy Solution, the ACA, Pinal County, and Central Arizona College. The recently opened training center will prepare local workers to join the advanced battery manufacturing industry, aligning with LG’s target to create 1,500 new jobs by 2027.

“By 2027, we will create 1,500 new employment opportunities overall, significantly thriving the local economy and further cementing Arizona’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing,” Ra stated.

This marks LG Energy Solution’s first cylindrical battery production site in the U.S., complementing its existing facility in Holland, Michigan, which manufactures pouch-type batteries. The Arizona plant will produce 46-Series cylindrical cells, supporting a series of new supply agreements with major automakers looking to diversify their EV lineups.

The move is also seen as a strategic effort to align with U.S. domestic content rules under the Inflation Reduction Act and support the “Made in America” manufacturing initiative.

Ra further commented, “Thanks to the support from the state and local partners, our Arizona facility is now preparing for a successful completion, stepping up our commitment to localizing operations and charging the future of electrification hand in hand with our partners and employees.”

He added, “We look forward to a continued partnership for the facility’s stable operation, as this project goes beyond simply constructing a plant; we actively support developing regional talent through high-quality training programs, empowering them to become future battery professionals who will contribute to U.S. electrification with our innovative power solutions.”

As the demand for EVs surges, LG Energy Solution’s investment in Arizona reflects a broader shift toward regionalized supply chains and workforce development in clean energy industries. The facility is expected to play a key role in solidifying the U.S. as a leader in battery innovation and electric vehicle technology.

Originally reported by Micheal Herth in Business Korea.