Panasonic is planning to expand its electric vehicle battery-related operations in northern Nevada with a new campus in Reno that is anticipated to open spring 2022.
According to Panasonic Energy of North America, a division of Newark-based Panasonic Corp. of North America, the 94,483-square-foot, multifunction facility will support the company’s overall EV strategy. It will actually become PENA’s division headquarters.
The three-story building, originally built in 1964, will be renovated to include engineering labs, employee recruitment and training facilities.
“Our new facility in Reno underscores our commitment to evolving and growing to stay at the forefront of the mobility market,” said Allan Swan, president, PENA. “Investing in innovation and workforce initiatives in the local community supports our mission of creating a future powered by sustainable energy.”
The announcement comes seven years after Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corp. announced PENA would produce lithium-ion batteries at Tesla’s Gigafactory 1 in Sparks, Nevada. While operations at Gigafactory 1 will continue, PENA intends to take advantage of the Reno location to expand local engineering capacity and talent acquisition and upskilling, further propelling its position in the electric vehicle market.
“Panasonic has been a phenomenal member of the community, and I’m thrilled they continue to drive growth in the area,” Reno city council member Oscar Delgado said. “I share Panasonic’s commitment to contributing to society and look forward to partnering with Panasonic in the years to come to make a positive impact in Reno.”
