Panasonic is still slated to begin production early next year, with batteries for electric vehicles actually being shipped out of the factory later in the spring, said Vice President of Human Relations Kristen Walters.

In an interview this week with the Eudora Times, Panasonic shared new updates on how construction is coming along since the last media tour over the summer.

The outside of the building is mostly complete, as the first wing – the half of the building opening in 2025 – has begun getting interior equipment into the space.

Steel erection and roof work on the first wing is complete, and 95% of the exterior panels are complete. Work is still being done on the interior insulated metal panels with about 15% of the work to go. There are about 3,200 trade workers on the site each day.

During the first quarter of 2025, wing one will be going through quality and safety checks. This does involve batteries running on the line, but they will likely not be the ones shipped to customers, said Alison Klooster, a spokesperson for Panasonic.

Production will then start to ramp up as the second quarter starts. An exact opening date is not yet established.

Panasonic’s second wing has made more progress on the exterior since the summer, with steel erection 90% complete and exterior panels at about 70% competition.

The work is completed on the Evergy electric substation, sanitary sewer and public water, and the fire line and tank.

About 300 people have been hired for the factory itself, Walters said. Hiring for production team members has started as well, she said. Some hires have been training at the other battery plant in Reno, Nevada.

Walters said Panasonic is continuing to hire every day, and that will ramp up as production nears. The total number of employees is expected to be around 450 by the end of the year. There are around 85 positions posted currently.

She said hiring will continue throughout 2025 as they prepare for the second wing to open. By next summer, Walters estimates there will be about 1,000 to 1,200 employees.

Panasonic is looking for people new to manufacturing and experienced individuals with maintenance skills – those who may have operated or maintained production equipment. They are also looking for safety professionals, quality leaders, operational employees and maintenance trainers.

Panasonic is also launching apprenticeship programs at Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Community College.

Panasonic has discussed the idea that much of the workforce will come from neighboring communities. Walters said hires so far have been from Olathe, north Kansas City, Lee’s Summit and all over the Kansas City area. It is expected that trend will continue, she said.

Walters said the housing shortage in Douglas County has not hindered any of their hiring processes as most workers plan to commute from their current homes in other parts of the metro.

Concerns over the traffic on K-10 have continued to be expressed by area residents, especially as more workers will travel the turnpike to access Panasonic. Walters said they are thinking about how to make it easier to get people back and forth and how to arrange shift times to make that less of a strain.

As far as what specific plans for those issues could look like, Walters said that would be a question for the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Although unemployment rates are low, Walters said Panasonic hasn’t had issues finding employees. The factory has drawn all kinds of people – those right out of high school, community colleges or retirees who decided they want to come back to work.

“It’s so cool just to be part of the organization – people coming from all different places and within their career, looking for their next career and it’s been really neat to be a part of,” she said.

Despite reports about the upcoming Trump administration proposing to take away electric vehicle tax credits, Walters said Panasonic has been investing before those credits were available and will continue to invest if they became unavailable.

As far as needs that persist as production nears, Walters said partnerships with communities and local organizations have been “phenomenal.” She said she wants to make sure to keep people updated on what’s going on, as well as timeline details.

Walters said she hopes Eudora is excited about the opportunities the plant will bring, as well as new job opportunities.

De Soto Mayor Rick Walk/er said ongoing infrastructure updates will prepare De Soto for not only Panasonic, but also future industrial activity that could join the Astra Enterprise property.

The road work on Lexington Road/103rd and improvements to Edgerton Road are setting up the city for more traffic as employees commute to the factory.

Walker estimates all that work will be finished by the end of the year and said this marks the completion of one of the city’s most important needs.

Improvements to the water treatment plant, wastewater plant and sewer collection system are also underway, and are targeted to be done in the first or second quarter of 2025, Walker said.

Walker said the items that De Soto was responsible for delivering are all on schedule.

Further down the line, the Kansas Department of Transportation has discussed the possibility of improving interchanges at the K-10 Lexington and Edgerton Road exits to help with traffic during peak shift changes, he said.

Walker said retail sales tax was up 100% year over year, largely due to the construction activity. There will likely be more customers in local stores and restaurants as the plant opens, as well, he said.

De Soto Chamber President and CEO Tim Holverson said businesses are looking at the Astra Enterprise property and the Flint Commerce property and consider it one of the best spots to locate.

He said the city wants to be mindful of community tradition and history, but these opportunities bring in quality jobs. Even if those employees aren’t living in the city, De Soto businesses and residents reap the benefit of them spending money in town, he said.

He thinks the business community is excited to see the added sales tax revenue, as well as the increased opportunities in the area.

“As we get more people living and working in the community, that gives an opportunity for more businesses to come and provide additional products and services to the community as well,” he said.

Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected].