Written by John Face
February 13, 2023
At 1:45 P.M. today during a press conference, Ford Motor Company announced that an over thousand-acre battery plant will be built on the outskirts of Marshall. The site location will be on Michigan Avenue starting at I-69 heading west toward Battle Creek.
When Bill Ford announced today that Marshall was the site, he explained that the 3.5-billion-dollar plant will employ 2500. The new facility named, Blue Oval Battery Park, will also come with a pleasant surprise. Ford announced today that 245 acres of the site along the Kalamazoo River will be saved as a conservation easement with Ford offering help to the city in how to develop it. Also in attendance was Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Marshall Mayor Jim Schwartz and UAW representatives.
Ford went on to say that they were excited to be bringing this plant to Marshall. He stated the economic impact for the region and state will be beneficial to all.
Proponents of the site state the economic advantages to the entire region far outweigh the negative. Governor Whitmer has worked hard to bring this plant to Michigan with the Marshall site being “perfect” according to supporters. Easy access to I-94, I-69 along with railroad service puts the site centrally located to manufacturing and supply chain partners for Ford.
The Electric Vehicle battery (EV) plant does have some local opposition, some who don’t want the plant near the city. The opponents feel the economic impact of millions of dollars doesn’t outweigh the negative of this mega plant. Some worry about traffic, housing, losing agriculture, environmental and the negative impact it will have on Marshalls small town atmosphere. Their solution is to make the area a state park, which has not been discussed by anyone until this project moved forward.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 173,000 people worldwide.
City Watch will share more as the day goes forward. We are waiting for press releases from officials.
City Watch News Blog 
Leave a Reply