By Jennifer Conrad, Managing Editor
KORE Power’s $1 Billion Battery Plant Plans in Arizona Come to a Halt
The cancellation of KORE Power’s $1 billion lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Buckeye, Arizona, has left a major economic void in the city. Once poised to bring thousands of jobs and spark significant infrastructure growth, the site now presents a new opportunity for Buckeye’s future. While the setback is substantial, it also opens the door for innovative, long-term development strategies—strategies that could diversify Buckeye’s economy and put it on a path to continued prosperity.
From Promise to Reality: KOREPlex’s Impact on Buckeye
KOREPlex was set to be a game-changer. This 2 million-square-foot facility was expected to bring 3,000 permanent jobs to Buckeye, positioning the city as a key player in the nation’s energy landscape. As the first U.S.-owned lithium-ion battery plant, KOREPlex promised to boost local economic growth and infrastructure development.
However, the project began to unravel when KORE Power was acquired by another firm. Tommy Dobczyk, Director of Development at Independent Concepts LLC, who closely followed the project, explains that new leadership quickly shifted operations to Vermont, where the company found better state incentives and a more favorable business environment. The transition, finalized under a new CEO in early 2024, left Arizona’s ambitious plans in the dust.
A New Vision for Buckeye: Independent Concepts’ Strategic Plan
Though the KOREPlex vision has faded, the site’s potential remains. Tammy Cline, CEO of Independent Concepts, has been a steadfast advocate for Buckeye’s economic development, founding the Buckeye OZ Fund in 2022 to support recreational and mixed-use projects throughout the city.
Independent Concepts is a premier Opportunity Zone development and advisory firm specializing in high-impact economic projects that align with community needs and growth potential.
With the KOREPlex property now on the market, Independent Concepts is stepping up with a plan to pivot the property toward a sustainable, high-impact development that fuels job creation, innovation, and economic diversity.
“Buckeye has been on a fast track to becoming one of the West Valley’s premier economic hubs,” said Tammy Cline of Independent Concepts. “The setback with KORE Power presents a chance for the city to reimagine this site as a thriving, multi-use economic catalyst, and we want to be at the table with city leaders to make that happen.
A Vision for the Future: Repurposing the KOREPlex Site
While KORE Power’s decision to shift its focus to Vermont has left uncertainty around the future of the Buckeye site, Independent Concepts is eager to collaborate with the City of Buckeye on a development plan that:
- Leverages the site’s Opportunity Zone designation to attract investment and tax incentives.
- Diversifies Buckeye’s economy beyond manufacturing, incorporating commercial, recreational, and mixed-use spaces.
- Utilizes existing infrastructure commitments, including water, transportation, and business incentives.
- Creates sustainable, high-quality jobs that benefit the local workforce and support long-term economic resilience.
An Open Invitation: City Leaders and the Community Join Forces for Change
Independent Concept is ready to meet with Mayor Eric Orsborn, Economic Development Director Suzanne Boyles, and other city officials to explore how this site can best serve Buckeye’s residents and economic ambitions.
“This is a moment for strategic collaboration,” says Cline. “With the right vision and partnerships, we can turn this site into something that benefits Buckeye for generations to come.”
Independent Concepts welcomes the opportunity to discuss this proposal with city officials, community leaders, and potential investors. A formal meeting request will be submitted to the City of Buckeye in the coming days.
