The Pentagon has conditionally approved the 6K battery factory loan, with up to $250 million intended to support a battery materials plant in Jackson, Tennessee. The Massachusetts-based startup announced the commitment on Nov. 5, 2026, as the United States works to reduce reliance on foreign battery supply chains.
The proposed PlusCAM facility will manufacture cathode active materials used in lithium-ion batteries for military equipment, electric vehicles and energy storage. According to 6 K’s announcement, the project could create more than 200 jobs.
6K Battery Factory Loan Follows Earlier Funding Setback
The financing comes through the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital and remains subject to due diligence and final approvals. No funds have been disbursed under the conditional commitment.
6K previously received a $50 million Department of Energy grant in 2023, but the Trump administration later canceled the award. The factory was originally scheduled to open in 2024, but funding uncertainty and shifting electric-vehicle demand delayed construction.
The Memphis Business Journal reported in September 2025 that the company was revising its Tennessee expansion plans.
Microwave Plasma Technology Targets Domestic Battery Production
K’s proprietary UniMelt technology uses microwave-generated plasma to produce cathode materials. The company says its process reduces manufacturing steps and waste while supporting multiple battery chemistries, including lithium iron phosphate.
The project is part of broader federal efforts to expand domestic battery manufacturing. TechAmerica previously covered Sila’s Pentagon-backed battery materials expansion, another initiative focused on strengthening U.S. supply chains.
6 K’s next steps depend on satisfying the loan conditions and securing the remaining approvals needed to advance the Tennessee facility.
