DETROIT - General Motors and partner LG Chem are considering plans to build a second battery plant in the U.S. in addition to the facility under construction in Lordstown.

GM spokesperson Jennifer Korail confirmed to 21 News that as part of the Ultium Cells LLC joint venture, both companies are exploring the feasibility of constructing a second, state-of-the-art battery cell manufacturing plant in the United States.

 “We hope to have a decision on the potential project in the first half of 2021,” said Korail.

A report posted online at www.wsj.com early Thursday cites people familiar with the matter that GM is close to deciding on locating a plant in Tennessee, but the final selection has not yet been made.

The news comes just days after the construction team installed the final beam on the 2.8-million-square-foot battery facility in Lordstown. The 10-month build completion is another major step in bringing an estimated 1,100 high-tech jobs to Northeast Ohio, which is slated for completion in 2022.

Under a joint effort by GM and LG Chem, the plan to construct a $2.3 billion state-of-the-art battery manufacturing plant was first announced in December of 2019. The 158-acre site is located along Tod Avenue between Salt Springs Road and Hallock Young Road in Lordstown, directly behind the former GM plant, now home to Lorsdtown Motors.

The facility is set to mass-produce Ultium battery cells at the facility to advance the push for a zero-emissions, all-electric future for electric vehicle manufacturing in the U.S., and in turn, local jobs, education, career training, and infrastructure.

The company will bring on board 30 new Ultium Cells team members by March 1.

GM CEO Mary Barra has stated that EV vehicles have an opportunity to revolutionize society with zero-emissions, an all-electric future.