UPDATES | Officials celebrate grand opening of Panasonic EV battery plant in De Soto

DE SOTO, Kan. — Officials are celebrating the grand opening of the Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto, Kansas.

Festivities are planned throughout Monday morning, including a media tour and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

KSHB 41 reporters Olivia Acree, Elyse Schoenig and Alyssa Jackson will provide updates throughout the day, as the trio has throughout Powering Change: Panasonic and De Soto coverage.

Representatives from Kansas, De Soto and Panasonic are gathering for a program around 8 a.m.

You can watch their remarks in the video player below. 

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11 a.m. | Monday morning, Panasonic confirmed the De Soto plant has begun mass production of 2170 lithium-ion battery cells, with plans to "establish an annual production capacity of approximately 32 GWh in the future."

Panasonic Energy

The facility, which spans more than 225 football fields, "signifies Panasonic Energy's long-term commitment to investing in and advancing the electric vehicle industry through a dual-region model in Japan and North America," Panasonic said in a news release.

Panasonic Energy

9:55 a.m. | Rep. Sharice Davids, who was present for the ceremony, described the opening as a "transformational moment" for De Soto, Johnson County and the state of Kansas.

“From the beginning, I’ve worked across the aisle and across levels of government to support this project — not just because of the jobs and economic growth it brings, but because of what it represents: Kansas leading the way in American manufacturing, clean energy innovation, and long-term economic opportunity," Davids said in a news release.

9:05 a.m. | To conclude the ceremony, additional representatives jumped on stage for a traditional Japanese ceremony — Kagami Biraki, or a sake barrel opening.

9 a.m. | The final speaker, Shigeo Yamada, ambassador of Japan to the U.S., said this facility is part of the new golden age of Japan-U.S. relations.

He expressed his sincere appreciation for all those involved in the project.

"I wish you the very best luck as well as every success in the years to come," Yamada said.

8:55 a.m. | Sen. Jerry Moran said Monday is a "day of joy" and a major accomplishment for Panasonic, the state of Kansas and the Kansas City region.

"All of us will benefit by this investment," Moran said.

8:50 a.m. | Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland elaborated on Kelly's message, going in-depth on each of the seven principles from Kansas' point of view.

He even showed off some Japanese he said he had been working on with a tutor for the last week.

8:45 a.m. | Jeff Werner, VP, government and corporate affairs, Panasonic USA, stressed communication and collaboration were "critical to success."

Engagement across all levels wouldn't have been possible without Gov. Laura Kelly, he said.

While she could not be present at the ceremony, Werner said Kelly deserved recognition for her vital role in the project.

"Panasonic’s state-of-the-art EV battery plant marks a bright new era in Kansas,” Kelly said in a prerecorded message. "The monumental effort that has gone into every aspect of this project has culminated in this historic day as the plant begins mass production of EV batteries. It’s hard to overstate what Panasonic’s investment means to Kansas and the value of the partnership that made it possible.”

The video message included a musical performance honoring Panasonic's seven principles.

8:35 a.m. | Kris Takamoto, CEO of Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America, said when it came to deciding where in America to build this facility, it all came down to a community the corporation believed in.

After visiting multiple sites across several states, Takamoto said Kansas made the best impression, and the people were genuinely welcoming.

Now, as one chapter ends and another begins, Takamoto said the state will become a pioneer in battery production.

"Three years ago, we made a promise; today, the promise becomes reality," Takamoto said.

8:30 a.m. | Yuki Kusumi, Panasonic Holdings Corporation CEO, expressed his gratitude for everyone who worked to "make this day a reality."

He said the plant will build a sustainable future and provide more opportunities as Panasonic works to respond to global demand.

8:20 a.m. | Panasonic Energy North America President Allan Swan thanked attendees and representatives in the crowd for believing in "what we can achieve together."

8:15 a.m. | Opening remarks for the grand opening ceremony were kicked off by Sarah King, Panasonic's chief people officer.

She thanked the many partners who have been vital in powering the project, including Johnson County Community College, Kansas City, Kansas, Community College, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and USD 232.

8 a.m. | Previous coverage from Olivia Acree and Elyse Schoenig was included in Panasonic's hype reel prior to the start of the grand opening ceremony.

7 a.m. | KSHB 41's Taylor Hemness said the Panasonic facility was hopping Monday morning as the facility prepared for the grand opening ceremony.

6 a.m. | Panasonic representatives confirmed to KSHB 41 that production started last week.

5:45 a.m. | KSHB 41's Taylor Hemness provided a reminder of some of the numbers surrounding the EV battery facility project.

5:30 a.m. | KSHB 41 anchor Taylor Hemness and reporter Olivia Acree were live outside the facility Monday morning.

5 a.m. | KSHB 41’s Olivia Acree recapped the happenings from when the Panasonic EV battery plant was first announced (July 13, 2022) to the facility’s grand opening ceremony (July 14, 2025).

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