(New Carlisle, IN) - A massive electric vehicle battery-making facility could go up outside New Carlisle.

 

It would be an over $2 billion investment producing approximately 1,700 jobs, said Bill Schalliol, Director of the St. Joseph County Economic Development Corporation. 

 

Ultium Cells LLC has applied for tax abatement with St. Joseph County government.

 

In a statement Thursday, Ultium spokesperson Brooke Waid confirmed the company is "developing a competitive business case for a potential large investment that could be located in New Carlisle."

 

Ultium Cells is associated with General Motors Co. and LG Energy Solution.

 

"We look forward to the application being reviewed and hopefully approved later this month," Waid said.

Schalliol said the 700-acre site is about four miles southeast of New Carlisle at Indiana 2 and Larrison Drive in Olive Township. 

 

Corn and soybeans are currently being raised at the site. 

 

Such a facility with a large workforce would have a noticeable positive impact on La Porte and the surrounding area, said Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership.

 

“Many people that live here would obviously work at a plant like that, and that’s terrific for all of us,” Cook said.

Cook said more economic benefits could also spill over here from additional businesses like suppliers potentially going up around such a facility.

 

Schalliol said the St. Joseph County Council would begin considering the proposal at its meeting on Tuesday.

 

At least one other community is in the running for the facility. Still, Schalliol feels the incentive package being put together by the county and state, combined with the site's advantages, will be too good for the company to pass up.