Quick answer: GM is putting about $900 million into two battery research and prototype centers in Warren, Michigan. A key goal is lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery cells, which GM is developing with LG Energy Solution for future electric trucks and full-size SUVs. The partners plan commercial U.S. production of LMR cells in 2028, with pre-production at an LG facility by late 2027. For battery engineers and technicians, Michigan and the GM–LG supply chain stay one of the busiest places to look.
What GM is building in Warren
| Investment | About $900 million across two Warren, Michigan facilities |
| New center | Ancker-Johnson Battery Cell Development Center, about 500,000 sq ft, designed to build thousands of prototype cells |
| Existing center | Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center, opened in 2022 |
| Goal | Cut battery development time by up to a year |
| Key partner | LG Energy Solution, GM’s joint venture partner in Ultium Cells |
Why LMR matters
- More range for big vehicles: GM says its LMR prismatic cells offer about 33% more energy density than its best LFP cells at a comparable cost, and expects LMR trucks to go beyond 400 miles per charge.
- Lower cost: LMR uses more manganese and less expensive nickel and cobalt, so packs are expected to cost less than GM’s current high-nickel batteries.
- Timeline: pre-production at an LG facility by late 2027, then commercial U.S. production in 2028.
What it means for jobs
GM has not announced a job count for the new center. But a new cell chemistry moving from lab to factory in two years usually means hiring at three levels:
- R&D and prototype: cell engineers, electrochemists, materials scientists, test and validation engineers, prototype line technicians.
- Scale-up: process engineers, equipment and automation engineers, quality engineers who can move a new chemistry onto a production line.
- Production: operators, maintenance technicians, MES and data roles, and EHS staff at the cell plants, many of them run with a Korean partner.
If you are in battery manufacturing, being comfortable working with Korean engineers and HQ reporting is a real advantage on GM–LG projects. Here is how to prepare for an LG Energy Solution interview, and where Korean companies hire in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.
Weighing a Michigan offer against one in another state? Michigan has a 4.25% flat income tax, plus city tax in some cities. Check the difference with the take-home pay calculator.
FAQ
What is an LMR battery?
A lithium manganese-rich battery uses a cathode with more manganese and less nickel and cobalt. The goal is high energy density at a lower cost, which suits large EVs like pickups and SUVs.
When will GM’s LMR batteries be in production?
GM and LG Energy Solution plan commercial U.S. production in 2028, with pre-production at an LG facility by late 2027.
Is GM hiring for the Warren battery center?
GM has not published a job count for the new center. Watch GM’s careers site for Warren battery engineering roles, and LG Energy Solution and Ultium Cells for production roles.
Sources: Latitude Media (Sept 2026), TokenPost (Oct 12, 2026), LG Energy Solution newsroom.
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