Officials praise Samsung's takeover of New Carlisle battery plant project

The project was previously a joint venture with General Motors (GM) to build an electric vehicle (EV) battery factory. However, in response to a downturned EV market, GM paused the project indefinitely back in May. 

Now, Samsung acquired GM's stake in the project and purchased the building, making this the company's first wholly owned facility in North America. 

"The fact that they're making their major North American investment here in St. Joe County is significant, so we're excited to welcome them to the area," said Jeff Rea, South Bend Regional Chamber President and CEO.

Rea is celebrating the news, though there are still many unknowns, like a construction timeline.

The original GM project, which initially did not include Samsung, was a $3.5 billion investment promising 1,600 jobs.

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners President Carl Baxmeyer said there’s no reason to believe Samsung wouldn’t keep or exceed these promises. He also doesn’t think this will change the county’s tax abatement approved for the original project. However, this announcement is Only two days old, so it’s still too soon to know these answers for sure.

Aside from EV batteries, Samsung will also incorporate other types of batteries and energy storage systems. 

“For which the market is growing, not receding," Baxmeyer said. "So, long-term stability, I think, is enhanced by this move for everybody. I think it’s a win-win-win for GM, for Samsung, and especially for the county.”

Baxmeyer said GM still owns land adjacent to the factory site. 

Baxmeyer also said the county still finds GM responsible for the infrastructure bond it agreed to take on.