Area Leaders Small Business Owners Applaud Major Economic Development Announcement By Ford Gov Whitmer

Feb 3, 2023

MARSHALL, Mich. — Local leaders, area business owners and others are applauding today’s announcement by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Ford Motor Co. to build a cutting-edge plant in Marshall that assembles batteries to power electric vehicles. The project is expected to create thousands of new high-paying jobs.

A diverse group of local leaders rallied around the Ford announcement. With the loss of major employers over the past 20 years, the Marshall Megasite is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and a crucial investment that will help the region thrive.

James Durian, CEO of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA), celebrated the governor’s announcement today as an important step toward the development of the Marshall Megasite that will make a positive, lasting impact on the region for years to come.

“This innovative project will be a magnet for thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of new capital investment into our region which will help to improve the quality of life for our entire community,” Durian said. “This project will create an entirely new talent pipeline, preventing brain drain and helping to provide critical diversity to the regional economy.”

Ford’s facility will initially employ 2,500 people when production of LFP batteries begins in 2026. Ford will have the option to increase its battery capacity at its Marshall plant, which will be part of a wholly owned Ford subsidiary.

Caryn Drenth, a Marshall resident and the owner of Living MI and Handle & Hinge in downtown Marshall, is excited to see the project move forward.

“This exciting announcement by Ford and Governor Whitmer will help replenish the thousands of jobs lost to our community in recent years and pump millions into local small businesses,” Drenth said.

Derek Perry, city manager for the City of Marshall, said the project is truly a win-win for everyone in the area.

“We are very excited about this project, which will have huge economic benefits for the residents of Marshall and beyond,” Perry said. “This development will create economic opportunities while allowing us to preserve our unique local culture, character and way of life.”

Mark Behnke, the mayor of Battle Creek, is excited to see the region help produce cutting-edge technology that will mean long-term jobs for thousands.

“This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will continue to benefit our area for decades,” Behnke said. “The new jobs will mean millions of dollars get infused into the local economy for our local small businesses long into the future.”

Bud Dunn, vice president at Atlas Sales, Inc., in Battle Creek, said he’s excited about the opportunity the Marshall Megasite provides local small businesses across the region, including restaurants, grocery stores, hardware stores, shops and others.

“As a young business owner, I am always eager to see opportunities for young people to find jobs or create new businesses here in southwest Michigan,” Dunn said. “As a local family-owned beverage distributor, we’ve seen the difficulties faced over the past few years by mom-and-pop restaurants and neighborhood taverns. The megasite development will mean more people spending more money in the area, helping those businesses that need it.”

Dr. Paul Watson II, president of Kellogg Community College, said the college is excited about the opportunity to partner with a manufacturer entering the region.

“Kellogg Community College is ready to provide workforce-specific training, technical expertise and customizable academic degree pathways that will allow our young people to thrive in rewarding jobs that are in their own community,” he said.