Ford's Joint Venture Partner Plans to Increase Wages at 2 EV Battery Factories Amid UAW Strike

Ford's joint venture partner, SK On, has announced plans to increase wages in its two upcoming electric vehicle (EV) battery factories in Kentucky and Tennessee, aiming to address concerns of striking autoworkers.

The joint venture, known as BlueOval SK, is offering higher wages for maintenance technicians and associate maintenance technicians, with pay ranging from $24 to $37.50 per hour based on experience. These positions are currently open at BlueOval SK's battery plants in Stanton, Tennessee, and Glendale, Kentucky.

BlueOval SK Announces New Higher Wages

Neva McGruder Burke, the Human Resources Director at BlueOval SK, stated, "These new, higher wages are more competitive and in line with the current market."

She expressed excitement about providing competitive wages and excellent benefits to all employees. The decision to adjust salaries stemmed from a comprehensive benchmarking study conducted by BlueOval SK to determine employee compensation and benefits.

Various hourly positions are available, including associate maintenance technician, maintenance technician, and production operator, with starting pay rates as follows:

Maintenance Technician: $28.50 to $37.50 per hour based on experience.

Associate Maintenance Technician: $24 to $27.75 per hour based on experience.

Production Operator: $21 per hour.

Tyler Stegall, Talent Acquisition Manager at BlueOval SK, highlighted the creation of the associate maintenance technician role as an opportunity for individuals without the requisite experience for a maintenance technician position.

Stegall emphasized that employees could gain the necessary experience to advance to a maintenance technician role after working as an associate.

Hourly employees will have the opportunity to receive regular pay increases every six months. The human resources team will also periodically evaluate pay raises to ensure competitiveness once an employee reaches the top wage range.

Furthermore, hourly employees may be eligible for bonuses of up to 5% annually, depending on their position and performance. Employees can also anticipate benefits such as low-cost medical premiums, 401(k) matching, vehicle discount benefits for Ford friends and family, as well as vision and dental insurance.

Career Trajectory

Stegall reiterated the commitment to providing affordable, exceptional benefits, enabling employees to envision a long-term career trajectory at BlueOval SK while maintaining a high quality of life for their families.

The onboarding process for maintenance technicians, associate maintenance technicians, and production operators will commence in Tennessee in October, with the process already underway in Kentucky.

Construction is progressing as scheduled at BlueOval SK Battery Park in Glendale, Kentucky, and the BlueOval SK battery plant at BlueOval City in Stanton, Tennessee, with production expected to commence in 2025.