Gov. Greg Abbott recently commemorated the groundbreaking of Tesla's new lithium refining facility in Robstown for its potential to create hundreds of jobs.

“Texas is proud to be the home of Tesla, and I thank them for choosing Robstown for their new lithium refinery,” Abbott said in a May 8 press release from his office. "The new facility will generate $375 million in capital investment and bring more than 400 new good-paying jobs to Texans in the region."  

Gathering with Abbott for the ceremony were Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Nueces County Judge Connie Scott and Robstown Mayor Gilbert Gomez. Abbott commended the cooperation between state and local economic development officials in luring acclaimed innovators like Tesla to Texas, solidifying the state's own lithium refining output and designing a future propelled by clean energy. 

"The first of its kind in North America, Tesla’s new refinery will produce battery-grade lithium and house battery materials processing, refining and manufacturing operations for the company’s product line," Abbott said. 

The governor had previously welcomed Tesla to Texas in July 2020, when the company unveiled plans to build its new electric-vehicle manufacturing facility, "Gigafactory Texas", in Travis County. The lithium refined in the Robstown facility is intended to be used in Tesla vehicles worldwide.

"Texas will continue to be a hub of innovation, leading the way on the future of technology," Abbott said. "With the Port of Corpus Christi nearby and Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin, the lithium refined here will work its way into Tesla batteries all over the world."

Abbott took the opportunity to laud all those involved in the successful groundbreaking for Tesla.

"I want to thank Judge Scott, Mayor Gomez and other local leaders for bringing such a great company to this wonderful city," Abbott said. "Working together, we will power the Texas of tomorrow."