Kokomo Gets a New Electric Vehicle Battery Manufacturing Plant

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Kokomo, which already has a reputation as the City of Firsts, is adding another notch to its belt: The state’s first electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant, a joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung SDI called Star Plus Energy, will be in town. The 2.4 million-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in 2025.

The plant will need a team of talented process engineers to develop and optimize the production processes for safety, quality and productivity. The role will also focus on monitoring, analyzing and implementing new processes, procedures and equipment as needed.

In addition to jobs, the plant will boost Kokomo’s economy in ways that may not immediately be apparent. The company will need to buy a variety of materials and hire workers for supporting functions like shipping and receiving, accounting, human resources, finance and supply chain management.

Project leaders say there will be about 1,400 jobs initially available at the site. The Institute for Korean Studies at IU Bloomington will work with IU Kokomo to provide educational opportunities for future employees, including lessons in everyday Korean culture. That is important because, unlike American companies, Korean firms often have a more formal atmosphere and take frequent breaks during the workday to go out for lunch or drinks.