Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery cell manufacturer American Battery Factory will establish a battery cell gigafactory in Tucson, Arizona. The $1.2 billion project is expected to initially create 300 jobs.

The site, located on 267 acres in Pima County’s Aerospace Research Campus, will serve as the company’s official headquarters and will reportedly be the country’s largest gigafactory for the production of lithium iron phosphate battery cells at 2-million-square-feet. Construction is planned for completion in 18 to 24 months.

“This investment represents a generational opportunity both for us as a company and for Tucson as a community as a means to truly make energy independence a reality for everyone,” said Paul Charles, President and CEO of American Battery Factory. “Batteries make shifting to an entirely green energy economy possible. With this first factory, we will secure a strategically positioned company headquarters while taking the critical first steps in making it possible to one day move the country and the entire world to 100% renewable power. We are honored to start this journey in Tucson and give back to the community through innovation, quality job creation, revenue generation and environmental protection.”

The cells produced at the gigafactory will empower consumers, households, business owners and electric utilities to automate the management of their own inventory of power, gaining the independence to optimize and transform energy usage on their own terms.

“With this announcement, American Battery Factory has elevated Arizona’s reputation as a national epicenter for battery manufacturing,” noted Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). “American Battery Factory’s new facility and headquarters will advance Southern Arizona’s vibrant technology ecosystem while creating hundreds of skilled jobs and drive further economic growth to our state.”

American Battery Factory’s goal is to create the first and best network of U.S.-owned, vertical manufacturing, supply chain and R&D for LFP battery cells by fusing software, hardware and technology to manage an unlimited inventory of sustainable energy sources stored through state-of-the-art battery manufacturing and innovation.

“American Battery Factory joins prominent regional and corporate headquarters in Southern Arizona, such as Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Caterpillar and Hexagon’s Mining division, among others,” added Joe Snell, President and CEO, Sun Corridor Inc. “This marquee project catapults Tucson into the national spotlight, ensuring this region has a prominent place in the energy storage and EV manufacturing supply chain being developed right here. With key advancements from ABF, Tucson will be a cutting-edge leader ushering in new EV technology and improved energy storage efficiency.”