Updated

An advanced battery maker has started production of automotive lithium-ion batteries in southwestern Michigan.

MLive.com reports a subsidiary of South Korean company LG Chem last month began producing batteries for the Chevrolet Volt at its Holland-area facility.

LG Chem spokesman Randy Boileau says employees completed "pre-production testing" with General Motors Co. and began ramping up production in July. He says that LG Chem anticipates that the first shipments from the facility will come in September or October.

LG Chem drew attention during its 2010 groundbreaking, when President Barack Obama traveled to Michigan for the event.