GLENDALE, Ky. — Ford Motor Company is delaying production at its second battery plant in Hardin County.
This comes as the demand for electric vehicles is not as high as anticipated.
"We are also slowing down several investments including making a decision with SK on to delay the second BlueOval SK JV battery plant in Kentucky," Chief Financial Officer John Lawler said.
The company made the announcement Thursday night during its third quarter earnings call.
Lawler says they're adjusting their electric vehicle production and future plans to better match demand.
BlueOval SK is building two plants in Glendale, which is expected to employ a total of 5,000 people.
A Ford spokesperson told WHAS11 News on Thursday the first plant is still scheduled to begin operations in 2025.
"Our priority is to build a profitable and enduring EV business," a spokesperson said to WHAS11 News on Friday. "That means we will balance growth, scale and profitability. As part of this, we are slowing down several investments."
"This is just a hiccup to give us time to adjust, because there's a lot of adjustments that have to go on, in this small town," Pastor Michael Bell, executive minister at Glendale Christian Church, said.
Bell has lived in Glendale for several years.
In the year since construction began, he has developed relationships with workers and now he's curious to know how this delay will impact their jobs.
"They were here for a long time and it seems like, that my concerns are what's going to happen to them," Bell said.
Gov. Andy Beshear shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, the first battery plant is still on schedule to open in 2025. He said Ford will see the project through, "but they will be more flexible on the operational schedule" for the second plant.
"Construction is continuing on both of those battery plants, the two biggest battery plants on planet earth and all those hundreds upon hundreds of construction jobs are still there, those folks are still earning a great living," said Beshear.
Hardin County Judge Executive Keith Taul said they "have no plans to change any of our county projects or timelines, so full speed ahead."
"At this time, we are not slowing down," Taul said. "On the bright side, this may provide more time to complete infrastructure and emergency service improvements."
Bell said this project is necessary. Overall he hopes this delay in battery production gives the city of Glendale more time to adjust.
"I pray that the impact of BOSK will not be a deterrent upon our community but a blessing," Bell said.
For now he and so many others are grateful for what's to come.
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