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BlueOval SK begins commercial production at Glendale battery plant; union vote underway
Summary
BlueOval SK told Hardin County Fiscal Court this week that full commercial production started one week earlier at its Glendale plant, the company said it employs about 1,400 people (94% local hires) and is conducting an internal vote on union representation.
BlueOval SK representatives updated the Hardin County Fiscal Court on Tuesday that full commercial production began at the Glendale battery plant one week earlier.
Kelly McAllister, external affairs director for BlueOval SK, told the court the plant is producing battery packs that will be used in Ford F-150 Lightning trucks and will be shipped to Ford’s Michigan operations. McAllister said the company employs more than 1,400 people at the Glendale site and that 94% are local hires who did not relocate to take the jobs.
"It is go time," McAllister said, adding the company held multiple start-up celebrations and that the site operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
McAllister said a second Kentucky building known as "Kentucky 2" is structurally complete but remains on pause pending market conditions. She declined to interpret comments from Ford’s CEO about any repurposing plans, saying BlueOval SK cannot speak for Ford.
On labor relations, McAllister said the plant is conducting a vote on whether to form a union. She described the company as taking a public stance in favor of remaining a "direct relationship" employer but said employees will decide the outcome at the ballot box; McAllister said voting stations had been open that day and would be open again the following day.
Why it matters: county officials praised the economic impact of the plant and emphasized local hiring. County leaders said they expect to continue working with BlueOval SK as production ramps up.
Ending: McAllister invited the court to a public celebration later in the year and said the company is proud to call Hardin County home.
Direct quotes in this story are drawn from McAllister’s presentation to the court.
