Samsung plans $41M expansion of EV battery operations in Michigan

Samsung's automotive battery division is planning to expand a pair of factories in suburban Detroit by 218,000 square feet in a $41 million move that would add 368 jobs.

Samsung SDI America Inc., which has its North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., would add to its 628 employees in Michigan with the new positions, expected to pay $37.50 per hour plus benefits, according to a briefing memo from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

The expansion will support the company's fast-growing lithium ion battery business for electric vehicles, leading to a doubling of manufacturing capacity with the addition of a second production line, the memo said.

A $5 million performance-based grant, approved Tuesday by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, was needed to keep the investment from going to Kokomo, Ind., where the company is teaming with Stellantis on a 34-gigawatt-hour battery factory expected to launch in 2025.

"Additionally, the Company is considering further expansions in the Midwest United States to broaden their footprint," the memo said. The grant "will help address the cost disadvantage of locating the project in Michigan when compared to the competing sites."

Samsung SDI moved into its Auburn Hills location in 2019, investing $62.7 million and creating 461 jobs. That project received a $10 million Michigan Economic Development Corp. grant as well as a property tax abatement from the city of Auburn Hills and a 6-mill State Education Tax abatement.

For the expansion, the company will also benefit from free advertising from the city on electronic billboards along I-75. Oakland County Michigan Works! pledged to help in the way of work force training.