ExxonMobil leadership spotlights local graphite production operations

In September 2025, ExxonMobil acquired Superior Graphite’s Hopkinsville production plant. At Thursday’s Economic Eye Opener Breakfast, hosted by the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, Robert Bacon from the natural gas company spotlighted the facility’s operations.

Bacon, who serves as ExxonMobil’s advanced graphite solutions operations manager, says they are working to create a domestic supply chain of synthetic graphite that can be used in lithium-ion batteries.

Currently, Bacon says the demand for high-quality batteries is rising, but a majority of graphite production is happening outside the country. Graphite is a key ingredient in lithium batteries.

In the community, Bacon says they plan to support organizations focused on social development, such as the United Way of the Pennyrile. He also says ExxonMobil is a strong supporter of STEM education.

Along with acquiring the Hopkinsville facility, ExxonMobil hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February in Ashland, Kentucky, in partnership with ACP Technologies for a facility that will produce graphite precursors.