Quick Takeaways
- Ford is restructuring its Kentucky battery operations as part of a broader recalibration of its EV roadmap and cost structure.
- The move signals a shift toward grid-scale energy storage while maintaining long-term battery manufacturing ambitions.
On December 15, Ford BlueOval SK Battery Park layoffs were announced for the Kentucky facility in Glendale, marking a major restructuring step tied to Ford’s revised electric vehicle roadmap. The decision reflects a broader recalibration of battery manufacturing, workforce planning, and future technology focus as the automaker adapts to evolving EV demand and cost structures.
Ford BlueOval SK Battery Park layoffs and ownership transition
The announcement was delivered to employees by BlueOval SK CEO Michael Adams, who confirmed that the battery park in Glendale, including the Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2 plants, will be owned and operated by a Ford subsidiary going forward. As part of this transition, all existing BlueOval SK positions in Kentucky will be eliminated, resulting in a complete workforce reset at the site.
Kentucky 1 plant shutdown and conversion plans
The Glendale Kentucky 1 plant will be shut down and repurposed to manufacture advanced battery energy storage systems rated at more than 5 MWh.
Workforce impact and retooling timeline
When operations at the Glendale plant cease on February 14, 2026, all 1,512 employees are expected to be laid off at that time or shortly thereafter. Ford anticipates the retooling process will take approximately 16 months, after which the BlueOval SK Battery Park is expected to restart operations in 2027 with a workforce of around 2,100 employees.
EV production context and future outlook
The Kentucky facility had only begun producing batteries in August for the electric pickup program, highlighting the speed at which Ford’s EV strategy is evolving. That vehicle is now set to be replaced by a new extended-range electric variant, underscoring the company’s shift toward diversified powertrain solutions while maintaining long-term investment in battery manufacturing capacity.
Ford BlueOval SK Battery Park layoffs and ownership transition
The announcement was delivered to employees by BlueOval SK CEO Michael Adams, who confirmed that the battery park in Glendale, including the Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2 plants, will be owned and operated by a Ford subsidiary going forward. As part of this transition, all existing BlueOval SK positions in Kentucky will be eliminated, resulting in a complete workforce reset at the site.
Kentucky 1 plant shutdown and conversion plans
The Glendale Kentucky 1 plant will be shut down and repurposed to manufacture advanced battery energy storage systems rated at more than 5 MWh.
- Ford plans to produce lithium iron phosphate prismatic cells, battery energy storage system modules, and 20-foot direct-current container systems, positioning the site for grid-scale and industrial energy applications.
Workforce impact and retooling timeline
When operations at the Glendale plant cease on February 14, 2026, all 1,512 employees are expected to be laid off at that time or shortly thereafter. Ford anticipates the retooling process will take approximately 16 months, after which the BlueOval SK Battery Park is expected to restart operations in 2027 with a workforce of around 2,100 employees.
EV production context and future outlook
The Kentucky facility had only begun producing batteries in August for the electric pickup program, highlighting the speed at which Ford’s EV strategy is evolving. That vehicle is now set to be replaced by a new extended-range electric variant, underscoring the company’s shift toward diversified powertrain solutions while maintaining long-term investment in battery manufacturing capacity.
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