Samsung SDI announced this week that it has acquired General Motors' ownership stake in the battery manufacturing project under construction in New Carlisle, making the facility Samsung SDI's first wholly owned battery production operation in North America. The companies also announced they will continue their strategic partnership through a separate agreement to jointly develop next-generation battery technologies.

The project was originally announced as a $3.5 billion joint venture between GM and Samsung SDI and was expected to create approximately 1,600 new jobs in St. Joseph County. While the facility experienced delays amid a slowdown in electric vehicle demand and changing federal policies affecting the EV market, Samsung's decision to move forward provides renewed confidence in the future of the site and the region's growing advanced manufacturing sector.

"The Chamber has remained enthusiastic about this project from the beginning because of its potential to transform our regional economy," said Jeff Rea, President and CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber. "Like many projects across the country, this investment faced uncertainty as market conditions and public policies evolved. Samsung SDI's decision to continue moving forward demonstrates confidence in this location, our workforce, and the long-term opportunities available in St. Joseph County."

The Chamber worked closely with local, county, and state partners during the development of the project and continues to view the investment as one of the most significant economic development opportunities in northern Indiana.

"This project represents the kind of transformational investment that creates lasting impact," Rea said. "Beyond the potential for a significant amount of new jobs, it brings new capital investment, strengthens our advanced manufacturing ecosystem, and positions our region to compete for future opportunities in energy storage and related technologies. We look forward to supporting Samsung SDI as the project advances and helping connect local residents and businesses to the opportunities it will create."

The New Carlisle facility remains under construction, with Samsung SDI indicating it plans to use the site to serve growing demand for both energy storage and future battery technologies in North America.