Barton Malow lays off workers at $3B battery factory

General contractor Barton Malow has laid off workers at the GM-Samsung SDI battery plant in Indiana as construction enters a slower phase, with Samsung reviewing production line equipment modifications.

General contractor Barton Malow has laid off workers at the GM-Samsung SDI battery plant in New Carlisle, Indiana, as construction enters a slower phase while equipment designs are finalized.

“Layoffs are an unfortunate part of the natural ebb and flow of the construction business,” Barton Malow said in a statement, noting it has redeployed some workers to other projects.

The $3 billion joint venture facility, which broke ground in April, with two buildings valued at $875 million and $855 million, is among the Midwest’s largest construction starts this year. Major steel work has been completed, but some activities have paused as Samsung reviews production line equipment modifications, according to Bill Schalliol, director of economic development for St. Joseph County.

GM now expects construction to finish by December 2027, a year later than originally planned. The facility will produce nickel-rich battery cells to support GM’s goal of building 1 million electric vehicles annually in North America.

Barton Malow said it remains committed to supporting displaced workers and bringing them back as construction activity increases.