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700 Workers Returning to Ultium Plant as Production Shifts in Spring Hill

Issue #687

March 17, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤 Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 59, low of 39

📰 700 Workers Returning to Ultium Plant as Production Shifts in Spring Hill  

📰 County Land Use Plan Meeting Planned

🚤 Edward & Nancy Penrod Boating Access Area Dedicated

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

700 Workers Returning to Ultium Plant as Production Shifts in Spring Hill

A major shift is underway at the Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill, and it’s bringing hundreds of workers back on the job.

The battery manufacturing facility, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, announced it is transitioning part of its production away from electric vehicle batteries and toward energy storage systems used to support power grids and large-scale data centers.

As part of that shift, the roughly 700 employees who were furloughed earlier this year are now in the process of returning to work. The company said those employees “are in the process of returning to work to support the launch of the new product line.”

Ultium is investing $70 million to retool the Spring Hill facility to produce lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells. These batteries are typically used for large, stationary energy storage projects rather than vehicles, helping store electricity for use during peak demand times.

Production of the new battery line is expected to begin in the coming months, with full rollout targeted by mid-2026.

“Spring Hill is becoming a key hub in our North American ESS manufacturing footprint which has helped offset slower than expected EV demand,” said Bob Lee, president of LG Energy Solution North America. “The explosive growth in energy storage diversifies our customer base and product portfolio and provides tangible benefits to American competitiveness in this decade and beyond.”

The move reflects a broader shift in the battery industry, as demand grows for energy storage tied to expanding power needs — especially from data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure. These systems help stabilize the electrical grid by storing excess energy and releasing it when demand spikes.

“This announcement marks Ultium Cells’ first major retooling of the Spring Hill process equipment and reflects the company’s continued evolution as a diversified battery cell manufacturer,” said Injae Pahk, president and CEO of Ultium Cells.

While EV battery production using a different chemistry is being consolidated at another Ultium facility in Ohio, the Spring Hill plant is positioning itself for this new type of battery production.

For Maury County, the announcement means the return of hundreds of jobs at the Spring Hill facility as production shifts to a new type of battery.

County Land Use Plan Meeting Planned

A Public Meeting will be held to develop a new Maury County Comprehensive Land Use Plan on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The meeting will take place in the Auditorium and Event Center at Columbia Central High School, located at 921 Lion Parkway, Columbia, TN 38401.

The purpose of this meeting is to establish a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan which develops a planning guide for the most appropriate use of land in the unincorporated county. Questions or comments should be directed to the Maury County Building and Zoning Office at 931-375-3003. 

Edward & Nancy Penrod Boating Access Area Dedicated

From Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt’s post…

Today, we proudly dedicated the Edward and Nancy Penrod Boating Access Area at Howard Bridge—an honor that is long overdue for two lifelong stewards of the Duck River.

Ed and Nancy, prior to her untimely passing, dedicated decades to protecting and restoring this special place. They organized cleanups, mentored young outdoorsmen, helped establish the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area, and advocated for public access so families could enjoy the river as they did. Their hands-on conservation efforts, tireless advocacy, and love for our community preserved miles of the river and inspired others to care for it. 

Thank you, Ed & Nancy! Your legacy flows through the Duck River — steady, lasting, and shaping our community for generations to come!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, March 18th

Thursday, March 19th

Friday, March 20th

Saturday, March 21st

Sunday, March 22nd

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, March 17
Def Leprechaun – The Rebel Bar & Grill, 5 PM
Songwriters Round – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6–9 PM

Thursday, March 19
Todd Ciprian – Tito’s, 6–9 PM
Damien Boggs & Friends – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, March 20
Golden Soul Revue – Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7–9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Rob Roscoe – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Radio Farm – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Hippies & Cowboys – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Black Hole Sons – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, March 21
Stevie Rock Acoustic Duo – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
The John Wayne Band – The Neon Moon, 7:30 PM
Karli & James – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Scotty Morton Band – The Boondox, 8 PM
Benji & The Jets – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, March 22
Rob Keesling – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM

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