Inside BlueOval Battery Park: Ford's Michigan's EV Ambitions

Ford aims to revolutionise battery technology at its new manufacturing plant in Marshall, Michigan. 

In 2026, BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is set to commence the shipment of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This milestone will establish the facility as the first in the United States to provide lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the mainstream consumer automotive market.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says: “BlueOval Battery Park Michigan has already created more than 500 high-tech, good-paying jobs, with hundreds more jobs on the way.

“This project brings world-class battery technology to our state and positions us to bring even more auto and battery manufacturing back from overseas. Michiganders will build the batteries that power a new generation of affordable electric vehicles, giving consumers more choices while supporting our workers.

"I’m grateful to Ford and everyone helping make Michigan the best place in the world to build and invent the future.”

Inside the facility

BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is steadily scaling its workforce, with the current headcount exceeding 500 staff members. As the company progresses toward a long-term objective of creating 1,700 American jobs, it intends to expand the local team to 800 employees in the near term.

Ford is partnering with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co (CATL) to manufacture LFP batteries. These batteries will power Ford’s affordable mid-sized truck, which marks the first vehicle to use Ford’s Universal EV Platform.

At the facility, team members are responsible for the entire assembly process of LFP prismatic cells, managing everything from slurry to coating and formation, through to aging and final inspection. 

Employee requirements

To become battery manufacturing experts at the facility, prospective employees at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan must complete a multi-tiered certification program.

Certifications include:

• Level 1: Classroom work required to access the production floor 
• Level 2: Subject-matter experts guide hands-on learning as employees operate machines 
• Level 3: Employees operate machines independently, accomplishing all parts of their job and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement 
• Level 4: Employees are qualified to train others

Nearly 90% of employees have reached at least Level 2 within the process.

Scott Davis, CEO of BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, writes on LinkedIn: “I am so proud of our BlueOval Battery Park Michigan team for recently achieving some incredible milestones.

“The team continues to grow and are rapidly progressing through our training programmes.  We produced our first full LFP prismatic cells from slurry to coating and formation, all the way through aging and final inspection.

“As we move through launch and into full production, we will have the honour of supplying LFP battery packs to the Louisville Assembly Plant to power Ford’s affordable midsize electric truck, the first vehicle on Ford’s Universal EV Platform.”

Ford’s manufacturing commitment 

In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the United States on 4 July 2026, the automotive giant has launched a new campaign titled ‘American Value. For American Values.', highlighting its commitment to domestic manufacturing.

Andrew Frick, President of Ford Blue and Model E, says: “As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, 'American Value. For American Values.' is our way of giving back to the people who show up every day: American workers, small business owners and families who place their trust in Ford.”