Tucson to Host America’s Largest Giga-factory for Battery Cell Production
In a significant boost to the clean energy sector, Tucson, Arizona, has been chosen as the site for the first in a network of gigafactories by American Battery Factory (ABF). Announced by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and ABF President and CEO Paul Charles, this facility will also serve as ABF’s headquarters, marking a major milestone in the production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells in the United States.
The planned facility, sprawling over 2 million square feet, is set to become the largest gigafactory for LFP battery cells in the nation. This development represents a capital investment of $1.2 billion and is expected to generate $3.1 billion in economic impact for Arizona. Initially, the factory will create approximately 300 high-paying jobs, with plans to increase to a total of 1,000 positions, encompassing roles in operations, production, scientific research, and development.
Arizona is proud to be home to American Battery Factory’s first U.S. facility and headquarters,
said Governor Doug Ducey. This transformational investment proves once again that Arizona is the premier destination for emerging technologies.
The LFP battery technology developed by ABF is noted for its safety, longevity, and eco-friendliness. By circumventing the use of nickel and cobalt, these batteries offer a more ethical sourcing alternative and boast over double the average lifespan of traditional batteries. This makes them highly suitable for a wide range of applications, from personal energy management to industrial utilities and public sectors.
CEO Paul Charles emphasized the broader impact of the project, stating, This investment represents a generational opportunity both for us as a company and for Tucson as a community as a means to truly make energy independence a reality for everyone.
The factory will be situated on 267 acres within the Aerospace Research Campus in Pima County, adjacent to major corporations like Raytheon Missiles & Defense. ABF plans to commence construction of the headquarters, R&D center, and initial factory module over the next 18 to 24 months, employing advanced construction techniques to minimize waste and ensure quality.
Tucson’s strategic location offers robust transportation infrastructure, vital for distributing battery cells to nearby markets. This aligns with ABF’s vision of bolstering Tucson’s economic growth and innovation ecosystem, thereby attracting and retaining talent in the region.
Key stakeholders in this project include Governor Doug Ducey, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Sun Corridor Inc., Pima County, the City of Tucson, Pima Community College, and Tucson Electric Power.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, noted, With this announcement, American Battery Factory has elevated Arizona’s reputation as a national epicenter for battery manufacturing.
The collaboration with educational institutions like Pima Community College will facilitate workforce training and development, essential for supporting ABF’s innovative operations, as highlighted by Lee Lambert, Chancellor and CEO of the college.
Additionally, strategic partnerships with companies like Celgard, Anovion, and Honeywell will support ABF’s development of cutting-edge battery technology, automation, and cybersecurity solutions.
For more information on American Battery Factory, please visit americanbatteryfactory.com.
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