According to Yahoo News, after more than two years of construction, Panasonic’s $4 billion EV battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, is nearing its production kickoff. The facility will be Panasonic’s flagship North American EV battery production site, aiming to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. Its establishment is a cornerstone in the region’s shift toward clean energy technologies.
The construction project has engaged approximately 3,800 workers to assemble the plant, which is set to create 4,000 permanent jobs at full capacity. Currently, Panasonic has hired 400 employees, with this number expected to rise to 1,000 by mid-2025 and 2,000 by early 2026. Beyond direct employment, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly emphasized that the plant will generate additional economic activity and opportunities for local businesses.
The project has catalyzed approximately $250 million in infrastructure improvements, including new roads and sewer lines, significantly reducing the financial burden on De Soto. Mayor Rick Walker noted that such upgrades would have taken much longer and been more costly without the scope and funding of the Panasonic initiative. Efforts are also underway to adjust roadways and traffic patterns to accommodate the influx of workers and minimize disruptions to the local community.As the facility prepares to ramp up production, it marks a significant milestone in Kansas’s economic and industrial development.
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