LANSING – The Michigan Laborers’ District Council (MLDC) is celebrating the trade workers at the Ultium Cells III facility (U3) in Lansing who have officially completed two million work hours. The significant milestone is a result of the dedication and skills of over 1,000 trade workers, including 160 members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA).
The laborers have played a vital role in the construction of this state-of-the-art facility, and assisting in the automotive industry’s transition towards electrification. Most laborers on the job are members of LIUNA Local 499, which covers Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties.
To commemorate this significant milestone of two million work hours, General Contractor Barton Malow is hosting a lunch at the Lansing job-site. The event will bring together the hardworking trade workers who have made this achievement possible.
The event will include guest speakers and exhibits. LIUNA will be there with giveaways, health and safety material, member raffles, and an opportunity to chat with LIUNA Local Union representatives and the Training Center.
The Ultium facility, part of GM’s $7 billion investment in Michigan for electric and autonomous vehicles, is a 2.8-million square foot facility expected to create 1,700 jobs and generate 36 gigawatt-hours of battery cell capacity. The plant will supply battery cells to GM’s electric vehicle plants. This project marks the third collaboration between Barton Malow and Ultium Cells.
MLDC extends its gratitude to the LIUNA members, trade workers, signatory contractors, and all those involved in the U3 project for their hard work and commitment to safety and excellence. The contributions demonstrate the importance of skilled labor in driving economic growth and innovation in Michigan.