Despite the fact that Michigan’s auto manufacturing industry has taken some pretty major hits, our state still has the talent and a lot of the infrastructure needed to gain a strong foothold in the cutting-edge emerging global markets, technologies, sciences, and industries that will drive the 21st-Century economy.
Holland, Michigan is finding itself at the forefront of the trend towards powering automobiles with renewable energy. The state has approved a 15-year Renewable Energy Renaissance Zone in Holland, Michigan, which is credited with helping to seal the deal for LG Chem-Compact Power Inc. to open a new lithium-ion battery cell factory in town. Michigan’s Renaissance Zones, a program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation eliminates most of LG Chem’s tax liabilities.
It has been reported that the factory will be fully up and running in 2012 - initially making batteries for GM’s “highly-anticipated” Chevrolet Volt, an electric car. MITechNews reported June 23rd, 2010 that the factory is “expected to create up to 300 jobs,” and “generate $302 million in private investment.”
Senior vice president of LG Chem Jae Ham said, “LG Chem’s selection of Holland to house the company’s battery cell facility was a balanced decision based on the city’s excellent infrastructure and proven quality workforce,” according to an earlier press release.
Jennifer Eberbach is a professional journalist and writer. Find contact information on her website www.jenthewriter.info
The Chevy Volt.
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