LORDSTOWN, Ohio - General Motors CEO Mary Barra said on Thursday that hiring has started at the 2.3 billion Ultium battery plant in Lordstown.

During a conference call, Barra also told investment reporters that construction of the plant along Tod Avenue NW is ahead of schedule.

Barra did not announce a completion date for the plant that will manufacture batteries for GM’s new electric vehicles. However, GM spokesman Dan Flores told 21 News that they are on track to open during the first three months of 2022.

Barra says they will be hiring 1,100 people for jobs which, according to Ultium’s website, will offer immediate health benefits, holiday pay, GM vehicle discounts, and $20,000 in annual educational support.

One of the lures being used to attract new employees is a lunch area at the plant aptly named “The Charging Station”.

Job openings include:

• Controls Engineer
  Equipment Technology - Engineer
  Equipment Technology - Leader
  Information Technology Specialist
  Process Technology (Manufacturing Engineering) - Leader
  Production Engineer - (Cell Assembly Area)
  Production Engineer - (Electrode Area)
  Production Engineer - (Formation Area)
  Purchasing Analyst
  Quality/Reliability - Engineer
  Senior Production Engineer (Electrode Area)
  Senior Production Engineer (Formation Area)
  Supervisor Production - Electrode/Cell Assembly/Formation

GM spokesperson Dan Flores tells 21 News he doesn't have specific rates of pay for these jobs, as they will vary based on variables such as whether the jobs are in management, skilled trades, maintenance or other areas, but said the "pay and benefits package will be competitive with other suppliers that produce battery cells." 

A link to more information on job availability may be found by following this link.

Plans are underway to ship the Ultium cells to three gm plants that will make vehicles including the GMC Hummer and Cadillac Lyriq.