Panasonic has begun mass production, officials announced Monday.
Panasonic executives and Kansas elected officials celebrated the start of production at the $4 billion plant during an event Monday.
In an interview with the Times after the ribbon cutting, President of Panasonic North America Allan Swan said production started last Monday with estimations that they will be shipped to customers in the next six to eight weeks.
Production lines are currently going through a large number of intensive quality checks before anything begins being sent out to customers, he said.
Swan said Panasonic is fulfilling its promise and commitment to Kansas by creating jobs, investing in local communities and powering a more sustainable future for all.
“This factory stands as a testament to what we can accomplish when vision, commitment and collaboration come together. Thank you again for your partnership, your trust and your belief on what we can achieve together,” he said.
Gov. Laura Kelly was unable to attend the event but recorded a video to be shared with the crowd. Kelly said since the beginning of her administration, they’ve taken a new approach to economic development and revamped the state’s economy.
“The truly monumental effort that has gone into every aspect of this project has culminated in this historic day as the plant begins its mass production of EV batteries. It’s hard to overstate what Panasonic’s investment means to Kansas and the value of the partnership that made it possible,” she said.
CEO of Panasonic North America Kris Takamoto said during the process of deciding where to place the factory in its initial stages, Kansas made the best impression because of its people.
“Lt. Gov. Toland hosted a dinner for us, and he and all the attendees made us feel truly welcome, that welcoming spirit processed through every meeting I had in this state. So we chose Kansas to be our new home, and we chose the people of Kansas to be our new neighbors. We are so grateful that the people of Kansas has chosen us in return,” Takamoto said.
Yuki Kusumi, Group CEO of Panasonic Holdings, said the plant is continuing to give Panasonic a competitive edge in the growing EV sector as demand for EV sales surge.
“It also contributes to establishing a more sustainable supply chain. We aim to work with our US partners, to establish a more circular and domestic supply chain in which we recycle scrap manufacturing materials and discarded batteries to produce brand new battery cells. It’s my greatest pleasure that this billion dollar investment is on track,” he said.
During the event, media were allowed to see parts of the factory but were not allowed to take photos or videos. Reporters looked into three windows that showed small glimpses of the factory lines in production. Machines were accompanied by workers in full personal protective equipment.
The cylindrical lithium-ion battery factory for electric vehicles sits on a 300-acre site and still expects to create 4,000 direct jobs once the facility is at full production. About 1,100 employees are working at the facility, so far.
On Monday, Kelly declared “Panasonic Day,” noting the company’s investment “makes Kansas a leader in the electric vehicle production supply chain and highlights Kansas’ appeal to innovative, future-focused advanced manufacturing industries.”
“I urge all citizens to join in this observation by celebrating the state’s limitless potential for foreign direct investment, job creation and prosperity for all,” she said.
