New Battery Plant Planned in Muskegon, Michigan

Mitra Chem, in collaboration with Sun Chemical, is establishing a battery material manufacturing facility in Muskegon County, Michigan, supported by $100 million in federal funding and $25 million from the state. This facility will be the first in North America to mass-produce lithium iron phosphate cathodes, crucial for electric vehicle batteries. The project is expected to create 150 permanent jobs and 625 construction jobs, enhancing the local tax base and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign battery production. Groundbreaking is anticipated in early 2026, with the facility aiming to supply materials for over 300,000 electric vehicles annually. This initiative aligns with the Biden administration's strategy to bolster domestic EV production and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities. The funding comes as part of a broader $3 billion investment by the U.S. Department of Energy to support battery manufacturing across 14 states.