Fort Worth officials and others celebrated the opening on Friday of LG Electronics’ first manufacturing facility for EV chargers in the U.S.
“This is a great day for Fort Worth with this global leader choosing to establish its U.S. manufacturing base for EV chargers and creating new jobs here,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said during Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We take pride in knowing that LG’s advanced EV charging stations that will be deployed across the United States will be built right here in Fort Worth.”
The plant is located at 2153 Eagle Pkwy. LG said initial EV operations will occupy about 60,000 square feet of the 100,000-square-foot facility, leaving room for “expansion as the business grows in the years ahead.”
“The EV charger business is a growth engine for LG’s future, supporting the company’s transformation into a smart solutions company,” said Alec Jang, president of the LG Electronics Business Solutions Company, in a news release provided to The Dallas Express.
In November, the company announced plans to enter the EV charger market in the U.S. by introducing its first line of charging stations.
With an annual capacity of more than 10,000 units, LG said the Fort Worth plant will support the growth of America’s EV charging infrastructure.
“LG’s decision to open their first U.S. factory for advanced EV chargers in Fort Worth is a prime example of our city’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology,” said Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.
“This exciting announcement further cements our status as a prime location for business and technological growth,” he said. “The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce congratulates LG on this notable milestone, reflecting Fort Worth’s welcoming business environment and vibrant, forward-thinking spirit.”
In general, the Fort Worth plant will be dedicated to the production of Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers, according to Michael Kosla, senior VP of LG Business Solutions USA.
“Today marks a major step in LG’s roadmap to support the electrification of America by making the EV charging infrastructure smarter, more accessible, and more profitable for operators,” he said in a statement.
The production of Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers “will open new opportunities for businesses, municipalities, and other public places to support the electrification of America with independently owned and operated charging stations that create new revenue streams, additional marketing and income opportunities, and differentiation with competing businesses,” Kosla detailed.
“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to welcome LG’s inaugural factory for assembling electric vehicle charging stations to the vibrant hub of innovation that is north Fort Worth,” Fort Worth Council Member Alan Blaylock said in comments provided to The Dallas Express.
“LG’s ongoing investment is a tremendous source of joy, contributing significantly to the economic vitality of our community, creating jobs in this burgeoning region, and elevating the overall business community of Fort Worth, an area I am humbled to serve. I am honored to be part of this impactful development.”
A spokesperson told The Dallas Express the plant is “expected to create dozens of tech jobs” in Tarrant County.
LG’s initial product line for the U.S. market will include Level 2 AC Chargers, which will be designed for wall mounting with an optional stand “that enables placement anywhere.” LG also plans to manufacture Level 3 DC Chargers, a stand-type model with a connected power bank that provides fast charging, according to a news release.
“As a leader in the electrification movement, LG is committed to delivering systems and solutions to help U.S. commercial customers develop the infrastructure to charge electric vehicles, which is critical to the success of the industry and the nation’s clean energy goals,” said LG’s Nicolas Min.
“Our product roadmap supports various use cases to provide a flexible, adaptable family of EV chargers to keep America moving as electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity and capabilities.”
According to LG, a study by Goldman Sachs and IHS Global Insight released last year shows that EV sales in the U.S. are expected to jump from 9% of total vehicle sales in 2023 to 20% in 2025.
