News broke Thursday morning that SK On has announced it will be ending its joint venture with Ford for battery factories, with the Korean company reportedly keeping possession of the Tennessee battery plant and the Detroit automaker retaining the Glendale-based Kentucky One and Kentucky Two facilities.
BlueOval SK External Affairs Director Keli McAlister said in a statement: “BlueOval SK is aware of SK On’s disclosure and announcement. We are working with both of our parent companies to determine what this means for BlueOval SK.”
Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul said in a statement: “Kentucky has enjoyed a long-standing and productive relationship with Ford, and we remain committed to fostering our continued partnership with them moving forward.”
Governor Andy Beshear discussed the news during his Team Kentucky Update Thursday. He said Ford maintaining the Glendale plants is “at least good news for Kentucky.”
“Ford has been committed to Kentucky since the first Model T rolled off the line in Louisville, and their commitment to our state and our workforce remains strong,” Beshear said. “In fact, the company just this summer announced the third-largest investment in state history with the nearly $2 billion investment in the Louisville assembly plant for a whole new production line.”
Ford has yet to comment on the announcement. Beshear said his office expected the company to provide more information on its next steps early next week. Quicksie and The Wolf will report more information as it becomes available.
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