The Marketing Minute: Marketing With Layers
The Right Approach: Electro-Tek—A Williams Family Legacy, Part 1
It’s Only Common Sense: If You’re Not Differentiated, You’re Dead
Panasonic Energy, Kansas Partner to Advance Plans for US-based EV Battery Facility
July 14, 2022 | PRNewswireEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group company, and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly jointly announced that the state of Kansas has approved an Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) state incentive application submitted by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. The agreement would make the state the location for a proposed US-based lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility, pending approval by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors.
Panasonic Energy plans to develop the project at a property in Kansas, which is expected to drive significant economic activity and opportunities for the local economy and could create up to 4,000 new jobs and result in an investment of approximately $4 billion. The company has identified a site in De Soto, Kansas for this potential project.
"This project will be transformative for the Kansas economy, providing high-quality, high-tech jobs while bringing a new industry to the state that is forging a more sustainable future," said Governor Laura Kelly. "This is a significant milestone for Kansas that is sure to drive economic growth and development."
"With the increased electrification of the automotive market, expanding battery production in the US is critical to help meet demand," said Kazuo Tadanobu, President, CEO of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. "Given our leading technology and depth of experience, we aim to continue driving growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and accelerating towards a net-zero emissions future."
Panasonic Energy is a global leader in lithium-ion batteries, with a 100-year history of innovation in batteries spanning both battery cell technology and battery business operations. Panasonic Energy plans to expand its production of EV batteries, as the automotive industry shifts to more sustainable electric technologies. The company has contributed to achieving greater efficiency and economies of scale necessary to drive this transformation, and the planned facility in Kansas supports the company's commitment to contribute to society by reducing global carbon emissions.
"Kansas has an impressive history of being home to a skilled manufacturing workforce," said Kris Takamoto, Executive Vice President of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., Head of EV Battery Business. "We appreciate Kansas's dedication to sustainability and its commitment to and growth in the clean and renewable energy space."
The announcement comes five years after Panasonic Group began production of lithium-ion batteries at Panasonic Energy of North America (PENA) in Sparks, Nevada. PENA is now one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery factories, surpassing six billion EV battery cells shipped. While PENA's operations in Sparks, Nevada will continue, the new facility in Kansas is intended to further support Panasonic's long-term commitment to advancing the EV industry in the US.
Share on:
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
SEMICON West: The Path to a $1 Trillion Future
10/14/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007After more than 50 years in San Francisco, SEMICON West moved its 2025 show to Phoenix, which is significant because it highlights the importance of Arizona as a semiconductor and tech hub. Though the show will be back in San Francisco in 2026, the overwhelmingly warm welcome SEMI received from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and ASU President Michael Crowe—who has been responsible for ASU repeatedly achieving the U.S. News and World Reports most innovative university ranking—was remarked upon repeatedly. All indications are that SEMICON West may well be back in Phoenix after that 2026 season.
Technica USA Named Exclusive U.S. Distributor for DCT Cleaning Products
10/14/2025 | Technica USATechnica USA is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with DCT USA, LLC, becoming the exclusive master distributor of DCT cleaning products in the United States, effective November 1, 2025.
Is Glass Finally Coming of Age?
10/13/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Substrates, by definition, form the base of all electronic devices. Whether discussing silicon wafers for semiconductors, glass-and-epoxy materials in printed circuits, or the base of choice for interposers, all these materials function as substrates. While other substrates have come and gone, silicon and FR-4 have remained the de facto standards for the industry.
Amplifying Innovation: New Podcast Series Spotlights Electronics Industry Leaders
10/08/2025 | I-Connect007In the debut episode, “Building Reliability: KOKI’s Approach to Solder Joint Challenges,” host Marcy LaRont speaks with Shantanu Joshi, Head of Customer Solutions and Operational Excellence at KOKI Solder America. They explore how advanced materials, such as crack-free fluxes and zero-flux-residue solder pastes, are addressing issues like voiding, heat dissipation, and solder joint reliability in demanding applications, where failure can result in costly repairs or even catastrophic loss.
The Training Connection, LLC Welcomes Industry Veteran Jack Harris to Lead Training Partnerships
10/07/2025 | The Training Connection LLCThe Training Connection, LLC (TTC-LLC), a premier provider of test engineering and development training, is proud to announce that Jack Harris, one of the most recognized names in electronics manufacturing training and technical development, has joined the company as Relationship Lead, Training.