Bipartisan EV Plant Proposal to Bring 2,000 Jobs to Mississippi

Mississippi lawmakers has approved the establishment of a new factory dedicated to producing electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Marshall County, which will create approximately 2,000 jobs for the state. The four companies involved will be investing $1.9 billion into the plant, the second-largest investment in state history.

The establishment of this factory is part of a growing trend across the United States, where similar EV battery production facilities are beginning to emerge. Notably, Ford is in the process of constructing EV battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee, in collaboration with South Korea's SK On. Meanwhile, Georgia is working to position itself as a southern nucleus for EV manufacturing, highlighted by Hyundai's plans for an exclusive EV production facility near Savannah. Additionally, ExxonMobil has announced its intention to start lithium drilling in southern Arkansas, a project aimed at supporting EV battery production starting in 2027.

“For far too many years, technology was developed in the United States, and that technology was taken to China and manufactured in China,” said Governor Reeves, while announcing the deal at the State Capitol.

The state now awaits approval from the US Department of Treasury to allow the building of the plant. The state will invest over $350 million into the project, which was supported and approved by both Democrat and Republican lawmakers. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker aided the governor and state legislators in negotiations.

Upon completion, the factory will pay its employees an average of $66,000 per year, bringing great economic stimulus to Marshall County and the state of Mississippi. Construction is expected to begin as soon as possible following the Treasury Department's approval.