Glendale, Kentucky, December 18, 2025
Ford Motor Company has announced the layoff of all 1,600 employees at its BlueOval SK electric vehicle battery plant in Glendale, Kentucky. The decision marks a shift in Ford’s strategy, as it redirects focus from electric vehicle production to the emerging market of battery energy storage systems. The plant will be repurposed for manufacturing battery systems, with new production expected to start in 2027. Despite the layoffs, Ford plans to offer new jobs to affected workers in the revamped facility.
Glendale, Kentucky – Ford Shifts Focus, Lays Off 1,600 Workers at EV Battery Plant
Glendale, Kentucky – Ford Motor Company has announced a significant restructuring, leading to the layoff of all 1,600 employees at its BlueOval SK (BOSK) electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Hardin County. This decision comes as Ford pivots from its EV strategy, redirecting efforts toward the rapidly growing battery energy storage systems market. The Glendale facility will be repurposed to manufacture advanced battery energy storage systems for data centers, utilities, and large-scale industrial and commercial customers, with production expected to commence in 2027. Ford plans to invest approximately $2 billion over the next two years to scale this new business. Despite the layoffs, Ford intends to hire about 2,100 employees for the revamped facility, offering displaced workers the opportunity to apply for these new positions.
This strategic shift is part of Ford’s broader plan to focus on higher-return opportunities, including leveraging its U.S. manufacturing footprint to add trucks and vans to its lineup and launch a new, high-growth battery energy storage business. The company aims to be profitable in its EV segment by 2029, repurposing its battery plants for energy storage and future EV models.
The state of Kentucky had invested $250 million in a forgivable loan to support the BOSK plant, contingent upon the facility meeting certain job and wage requirements. Additionally, the Kentucky Legislature approved a $25 million job training facility at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College to support the plant’s workforce. The abrupt closure has raised questions about the utilization of these taxpayer funds. Governor Andy Beshear has expressed confidence in Ford’s ability to move the restructured project forward and is in direct contact with the company to ensure the success of the new venture.
In response to the layoffs, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $2 million to the Bluegrass Area Development District Inc. to support employment and training services for affected workers. This funding aims to provide retraining and skills development services for dislocated workers seeking assistance in the region.
The decision to lay off all employees at the BOSK plant and shift focus to battery energy storage systems underscores the challenges faced by the EV industry amid changing market dynamics and policy shifts. While Ford’s move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for energy storage solutions, it also highlights the complexities and uncertainties associated with large-scale industrial investments and their impact on local communities and economies.
FAQ
What is the reason for the layoffs at the BlueOval SK plant in Glendale, Kentucky?
Ford Motor Company is restructuring its operations, leading to the layoff of all 1,600 employees at the BlueOval SK (BOSK) electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Hardin County. The company is shifting its focus from EV production to the rapidly growing battery energy storage systems market.
What will happen to the Glendale facility after the layoffs?
The Glendale facility will be repurposed to manufacture advanced battery energy storage systems for data centers, utilities, and large-scale industrial and commercial customers. Production is expected to commence in 2027.
How is the state of Kentucky involved in this situation?
The state of Kentucky had invested $250 million in a forgivable loan to support the BOSK plant, contingent upon meeting certain job and wage requirements. Additionally, the Kentucky Legislature approved a $25 million job training facility at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College to support the plant’s workforce. The abrupt closure has raised questions about the utilization of these taxpayer funds. Governor Andy Beshear is in direct contact with Ford to ensure the success of the restructured project.
What support is available for the affected workers?
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded $2 million to the Bluegrass Area Development District Inc. to support employment and training services for affected workers. This funding aims to provide retraining and skills development services for dislocated workers seeking assistance in the region.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Layoffs | All 1,600 employees at the BlueOval SK plant in Glendale, Kentucky, have been laid off as part of Ford’s restructuring. |
| Facility Repurposing | The Glendale facility will be converted to manufacture advanced battery energy storage systems, with production expected to begin in 2027. |
| State Investment | The state of Kentucky invested $250 million in a forgivable loan to support the BOSK plant, contingent upon meeting certain job and wage requirements. |
| Support for Workers | The U.S. Department of Labor awarded $2 million to the Bluegrass Area Development District Inc. to provide employment and training services for affected workers. |
| Ford’s Investment | Ford plans to invest approximately $2 billion over the next two years to scale its new battery energy storage business. |
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