Hanjung America to Build ESS Manufacturing Facility in Indiana to Support StarPlus Energy

Why It Matters

The project deepens the domestic supply chain for EV batteries, reducing reliance on imported components and bolstering Indiana’s emerging clean‑energy manufacturing hub. It also signals South Korean battery firms’ commitment to U.S. BESS growth amid shifting market dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Hanjung America to build first U.S. ESS plant in Indiana.
• Facility will produce cooling systems, fire extinguishers for EV batteries.
• Groundbreaking April 2026, operations start June 2027, 300+ jobs.
• Indiana offers up to $4.5M incentives tied to job creation.
• Supports Stellantis‑Samsung SDI StarPlus Energy gigafactory supply chain.

Pulse Analysis

The U.S. energy‑storage market is entering a rapid expansion phase, driven by tighter emissions standards and the need for grid‑level resilience. Hanjung America’s new Indiana facility adds a critical layer to the domestic supply chain by manufacturing cooling‑fan modules and direct‑injection fire extinguishers—components that enhance safety and performance of large‑format EV batteries. By locating production close to Stellantis and Samsung SDI’s StarPlus Energy plant, the company shortens logistics, lowers costs, and mitigates the geopolitical risks associated with overseas parts sourcing.

Beyond the technical benefits, the project carries significant economic weight for Indiana. The state’s Economic Development Corporation has pledged up to $4.5 million in performance‑based tax credits and training grants, contingent on Hanjung’s investment milestones and job‑creation targets. With an initial hiring plan of more than 300 workers and a long‑term ceiling of roughly 440 positions, the plant will push local average wages above the county norm and stimulate ancillary services, from construction to logistics. This aligns with Indiana’s broader strategy to become a hub for advanced battery and ESS manufacturing, joining other South‑Korean entrants such as Soulbrain MI and Jaewon Industrial.

Regionally, Hanjung’s move reflects a shifting competitive landscape where South Korean firms are positioning themselves as alternatives to Chinese battery suppliers. Recent announcements from Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution about repurposing EV‑battery lines for BESS production underscore a trend toward localized, high‑energy‑density storage solutions. As utilities and renewable developers seek reliable, domestically sourced storage, the Indiana plant could serve as a blueprint for future ESS factories, accelerating the United States’ transition to a resilient, low‑carbon grid.