StarPlus Energy plant in Kokomo to see 18% decrease in salaried workforce

KOKOMO, Ind. — The StarPlus Energy plant in Kokomo is expected to see a decrease in its salaried workforce.

According to officials with Stellantis, 18% of the plant’s salaried workforce is expected to be reduced. In a statement from the company, officials said that impacted salaried employees will receive a severance package that includes coverage of benefits.

This comes after the U.S. Department of Energy announced a conditional commitment for a $7.54 billion loan to StarPlus Energy in December 2024.

According to previous reports, the loan was expected to help finance two lithium-ion battery cell and module manufacturing plants in Kokomo, which would then be sold to Stellantis for use in electric vehicles.

“As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve in the U.S., Stellantis continues to evaluate its product strategy in North America to ensure it is offering customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options to best meet their needs,” the company’s statement read. “As a result, the StarPlus Energy battery plant, a joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung SDI, has made operational decisions which necessitate a reduction of approximately 18% of its salaried workforce.”