Oregon-based ENTEK, the only U.S.-owned and operated wet-process lithium-ion battery separators manufacturer, broke ground on a $1.5 billion separator plant in Terre Haute, Indiana. The plant will produce lithium-ion battery components for the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry and represents ENTEK’s single largest investment to date.

ENTEK selected Clayco to design and construct the new facility that will generate more than 640 high-wage jobs by the end of 2027. The plant is set to produce up to 1.4 billion square meters of battery separators annually, enough to supply material for approximately 1.4 million vehicles.

“This is a great day for Terre Haute and for the state of Indiana,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “ENTEK’s decision to locate a new, $1.5 billion battery component manufacturing facility here will have a transformational impact on the West Central Indiana community and the Hoosier economy for generations to come.”