GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture plans advanced battery production, with facility modifications expected to be completed in 2028.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (October 2, 2026) — Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, will invest an additional $1 billion to retool and diversify its battery cell manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
The investment will prepare the facility to manufacture prismatic lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery cells. The Spring Hill operation is expected to become the first facility worldwide to mass-produce this battery technology.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Governor and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter announced the project, which builds on the companies’ previous investments in the state.
Advanced Battery Technology Targets Lower Costs and Higher Energy Density
The planned LMR battery cells offer 33% greater energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at a comparable cost, according to the announcement. LFP is a leading affordable battery chemistry.
Adding LMR production will expand GM’s battery technology options as the automaker works to balance electric vehicle performance, affordability and customer needs. GM plans to continue using high-nickel batteries for its highest-range vehicles while incorporating LMR technology to support lower-cost options.
“Establishing LMR prismatic cell production at Ultium Cells in Spring Hill is a key step in GM’s strategy to match the right battery technology to customer needs and strengthen our leadership in domestic battery manufacturing and innovation,” said Kurt Kelty, vice president of battery and sustainability at GM.
Facility modifications are scheduled to begin later in 2026, with completion expected in 2028.
Spring Hill Investment Builds on Previous Manufacturing Commitments
GM and LG Energy Solution initially announced the Spring Hill joint venture in 2021, committing more than $2.3 billionand pledging to create 1,300 jobs.
In 2022, the companies announced an additional $275 million investment and 400 new jobs at the facility.
The latest $1 billion commitment will advance the operation’s manufacturing capabilities and diversify its battery cell production.
“When GM and LG Energy Solution announced their joint venture in 2021, we knew it would create new opportunities for more than 1,000 Tennessee families,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I’m grateful for Ultium Cells’ continued investment in our state and the confidence they’ve placed in Tennessee’s highly skilled workforce and look forward to building on our partnership in the years ahead.”
Expanding Tennessee’s Role in Domestic Battery Manufacturing
The project builds on GM and LG Energy Solution’s collaboration to develop prismatic battery cells and related chemistries. It also strengthens Spring Hill’s role in the domestic electric vehicle battery supply chain.
Ultium Cells President Injae Pahk said the investment reflects the company’s continued development as a diversified battery cell manufacturer, with production evolving to meet changing market demands.
State leaders welcomed the announcement as a further commitment to Tennessee’s automotive industry, workforce and manufacturing infrastructure.
About Ultium Cells
Ultium Cells is a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution that manufactures battery cells supporting GM’s North American electric vehicle assembly operations. The company also supports opportunities in mobile and stationary energy storage.
For more information, visit www.ultiumcell.com.
