Ford Announces Global Battery Center in Romulus

Ford Motors has announced that the new Ford Ion Park battery plant will be located in Romulus.

Ford Ion Park will create lithium-ion and solid-state battery cells for electric vehicles.

"Ford already is delivering on our plan to lead the electric revolution with strong new vehicles including Mustang Mach-E, 2022 E-Transit available late 2021 and the 2022 F-150 Lightning available from spring next year," Anand Sankaran, Ford Ion Park director, said in a statement. "The new lab will help Ford speed up the battery development process to deliver even more capable, affordable batteries and is part of Ford’s renewed commitment to making Michigan a centerpiece of its focus on EVs."

Approximately 200 full-time engineers are expected to be located at the facility "on or within 18 months of completion of renovation," according to a statement.

"Ford’s investment in battery research and development in Romulus will support hundreds of good-paying jobs, attract innovative talent to Michigan, and help us continue leading the world in advanced mobility and manufacturing," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer added. "Ford is an American icon that has left its mark on the world over a century, and with the research that will take place at Ford Ion Park, they will shape the next century while reducing emissions and accelerating electrification."