Ultium Cells to Upgrade Tennessee Plant for LMR Battery Production

Photo Credit: Ultium Cells

Ultium Cells, a joint venture between General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution, plans to upgrade its battery manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee, to produce lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric vehicles. Facility modifications are scheduled to begin later in 2026, with completion expected in 2028.

The project is expected to create 500 jobs, adding to the facility’s current workforce of 1,200. Ultium Cells said the Spring Hill site is expected to become the first facility worldwide to mass-produce prismatic LMR battery cells.

LMR technology has the potential to deliver 33% higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at a comparable cost, according to the companies. Higher energy density could allow LMR cells to store more energy within a given volume, positioning them between lower-cost LFP batteries and high-nickel chemistries in the EV battery market.

The upgrade follows the start of LFP cell production at Spring Hill in June 2026 for energy storage system (ESS) applications serving LG Energy Solution Vertech customers. Combined investment in the LMR and LFP programs and related facility improvements is expected to reach $1 billion by 2030.

The expansion will broaden Ultium Cells’ manufacturing capabilities across battery chemistries and cell formats. The company produces high-nickel cells and LFP cells and plans to add LMR prismatic cells, supporting applications ranging from electric vehicles to stationary energy storage.

Kurt Kelty, GM’s vice president of battery and sustainability, said the LMR program will help GM match battery technology to different customer requirements while strengthening domestic manufacturing. He said high-nickel batteries will continue to serve customers seeking maximum driving range, while LMR could offer a combination of lower cost and improved performance compared with more affordable battery chemistries.

Ultium Cells President Injae Pahk said the investment reflects the company’s strategy to adjust production as market requirements change. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee also welcomed the project, citing its expected job creation and contribution to the state’s advanced manufacturing sector. 

Source: Ultium Cells

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Ultium Cells plans to invest in LMR prismatic battery production at its Spring Hill plant, adding 500 jobs and expanding its battery portfolio as part of a combined $1 billion investment in LMR, LFP and facility upgrades through 2030.