Mazda to Build First Plant in Japan in 32 Years: Massive EV Battery Facility Planned for Iwakuni

Mazda has announced it will build a major new plant in Japan, its first domestic facility in more than three decades. The agreement was signed with Yamaguchi Prefecture and the city of Iwakuni, where the factory will rise in the Aza-Minami-Shirasaki district. Covering nearly 19 million square feet, the site will host advanced production of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries for future Mazda vehicles.

Construction begins in 2025, with operations scheduled to start in the 2027 fiscal year. It will be Mazda’s first new Japanese plant since 1992, when the company opened its second Hofu factory. The Iwakuni facility is designed to serve not only as a production hub but also as a central base for rolling out Mazda’s comprehensive electrification strategy.

The plant will manufacture modular batteries using cells supplied by Panasonic Energy. Annual capacity is expected to reach 10 GWh, enabling Mazda to adapt to global market demand and increasingly strict emissions standards. The automaker emphasizes safety, ease of use, and long-term regional employment as key priorities.

Beyond strengthening Mazda’s position in the global EV market, the new facility is expected to boost Yamaguchi’s economy, create jobs, and support the local community.