As reported by the Financial Times, Panasonic intends on building a $4B battery site in Kansas creating 1000's of new jobs.
Based on an announcement from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the deal with Panasonic represents the largest economic development project in the state’s 161-year history.
The planned project is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs and the development will have ripple effects throughout the regional and state economy, supporting an estimated 4,000 additional jobs created by suppliers and community businesses and 16,500 construction jobs as cited in an independent Wichita State University economic impact study.
No doubt these will include jobs such as laborers, equipment operators, pipefitters, welders, millwrights, electricians, and other craft positions.
"As the largest private investment in Kansas history and one of the largest EV battery manufacturing plants of its kind in the country, this project will be transformative for our state’s economy, providing in total 8,000 high-quality jobs that will help more Kansans create better lives for themselves and their children," said Kelly.
"Winning this project shows that Kansas has what it takes to compete on a global scale — and that our pro-business climate is driving the technological innovation needed to achieve a more prosperous and sustainable future."
The release by Panasonic, however, only states that Kansas has approved an Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) state incentive application submitted by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.
The agreement would make the state the location for a proposed US-based lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility, pending approval by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors.
