1,600 workers to be laid-off at Kentucky manufacturing plant

GLENDALE, Ky. (WKYT) – Ford announced Monday it will repurpose its battery manufacturing plant in Glendale.

BlueOVAL SK is expected to layoff of roughly 1,600 workers

The facility will now focus on producing advanced battery energy storage systems for data centers, utilities and large industrial customers. Ford plans to bring this new capacity online within 18 months.

Ford subsidiary takes full ownership amid partnership dissolution

The announcement comes as South Korean battery maker SK On and Ford Motor Company dissolve their partnership. Ford will take full ownership of BlueOval SK in Hardin County as demand for electric vehicles slows worldwide.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Ford will take the two Kentucky plants, while SK On will pivot its Tennessee plant and reevaluate what is produced there. The split is expected to be finalized by the end of the first quarter.

Job changes amid business shift

Workers who are laid off will have the opportunity to apply for positions with the new Ford subsidiary that will operate the Glendale facility, according to The Herald-Leader. The new energy storage business in Kentucky is expected to start with 2,100 employees.

This represents about 400 fewer jobs than were originally anticipated for just one of the two Glendale facilities. Combined, the state’s BlueOval SK facilities were expected to employ 5,000 people.

Project history and timeline

Gov. Andy Beshear, SK On and Ford announced plans to build two electric battery plants in Glendale in September 2021. Officials broke ground on the site near Interstate 65 in late 2022 and held a groundbreaking for a $25 million BlueOval SK Training Center at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College in May 2023.

The first battery rolled off the plant in August 2025.

State lawmakers respond to announcement

Kentucky State Representatives Samara Heavrin and Steve Bratcher issued a statement regarding Ford’s announcement.

“Our focus remains on making sure the men and women whose jobs are impacted by this decision have the support and resources they need to find new employment and that going forward this new project delivers real, lasting investment and meaningful employment for the families and communities surrounding Glendale,” the representatives said.

The lawmakers said they are optimistic about Ford’s decision to take over the Glendale facility and transition toward energy storage, particularly as initial plans for the project have faced significant challenges.

“At the same time, optimism must be matched with both caution and accountability, and we will be watching closely to ensure commitments are met and honored,” they said.

Governor was ‘optimistic’ for Ford takeover

Before Monday’s announcement, Gov. Andy Beshear addressed the partnership split during his weekly press conference on Thursday.

“Ford will be taking control of each of the Kentucky plants. This is at least good news for Kentucky. I remain optimistic,” Beshear said.

The governor blamed the split on legislation in Washington and policies of the current administration, but did not provide specifics.

Louisville plant gets new electric truck production

Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant is set to begin producing a new midsize electric pickup truck in 2027. This is part of Ford’s plan to expand its lineup of trucks and vans, and to offer more hybrid and extended-range electric options.

The company is investing approximately $2 billion over the next two years to scale this new battery energy storage business.

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