Panasonic executives at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the company's new EV battery facility in De Soto, KS

A Milestone for the Road Ahead: Panasonic Energy Celebrates De Soto Grand Opening

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Big things are happening in De Soto, Kansas. Panasonic Energy just celebrated the grand opening of our new EV battery facility — a project years in the making that’s set to power the future of electric vehicles and create new opportunities for the region. See how this milestone came to life and what it means for the community, our teams and the road ahead.
July 21, 2025 / 3 min read

On July 14, Panasonic Energy officially opened its doors to something far bigger than a building—we opened the doors to possibility.

The grand opening of our De Soto EV battery facility is more than a milestone for Panasonic Energy, it’s a catalyst for regional socioeconomic growth and a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. This moment is made possible by years of dedication, collaboration and our unwavering drive for innovation.

Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy, captured the moment perfectly: “We are delivering on our promise to Kansas—creating jobs, investing in communities and powering a more sustainable future for all.” His words reflected the collective pride and optimism as employees, partners and community leaders came together for the celebration.

We were honored to welcome a remarkable group of guests, including Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Holdings Yuki Kusumi, Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America CEO Kris Takamoto, Chief People Officer Sarah King, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, Ambassador Yamada, Lt. Governor David Toland and many other valued partners and friends.

At Panasonic Energy, this is just the beginning. Together, we’re not only building batteries. We’re building opportunity, driving innovation and shaping the future of clean energy in America.

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