Energy report blasts West Michigan battery maker
Energy report accuses W. Michigan battery maker of wasting funds, failing to reach objectives
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) -- A U.S. Energy report accuses a Michigan-based battery maker of wasting federal funds and failing to move production to the state from South Korea.
The special report released Wednesday by the Energy Department says Holland-based LG Chem Michigan has spent $142 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds but has not "yet achieved the objectives outlined" in its plan for producing lithium-ion polymer batteries for electric vehicles.
Work was to have started in 2012 and the company was expected to make battery cells for 60,000 electric vehicles by the end of this year. But the report says no battery cells for electric vehicles have been produced and that only half the jobs planned have been created.
The Associated Press left a message Wednesday seeking comment from the company.
