INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 21, 2010) - Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from lithium-ion battery maker EnerDel today to announce the company will locate its newest manufacturing operation in Hancock County and create 500 more jobs, bringing the company to a total of 1,400 in three Central Indiana locations.
EnerDel announced in 2008 it would add 900 jobs by expanding its Indianapolis research and cell production center, building a new battery pack assembly center in Noblesville and committing to locate a full-scale manufacturing site at a to be determined location in Indiana. This announcement means the company will grow by another 500 jobs as it prepares to open its third location in Hancock County.
The developer of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid, plug-in electric and electric vehicles will invest $237 million to lease and equip more than 200,000 square feet of Building 1 located at Axcess70 at Mount Comfort Road in Hancock County.
"We're out to be the capital of the electric vehicle industry and EnerDel is at the center of those hopes," said Daniels.
Founded in 2004, EnerDel produces lithium-ion batteries for automotive manufacturers that are lighter, occupy less space, provide more power and have a longer life than the nickel metal hydride batteries found in today's hybrid vehicles. The company has commercial and strategic partnerships with industry leading companies such as THINK, Volvo, Nissan, Mazda, the United States Military, Japan Post, AC Transit, Portland General Electric and ITOCHU Corp.
"EnerDel is excited to be expanding to our third Indiana facility. We have experienced a tremendous amount of success and have benefited greatly from the advanced manufacturing expertise here in the state. The state of Indiana and local communities have been fantastic partners throughout the years and we look forward to continuing these strong relationships," said Charles Gassenheimer, chairman and chief executive officer, Ener1, Inc.
EnerDel plans to begin hiring additional engineers, production associates and administrative staff in the next couple of months as the new facility is readied for production.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered EnerDel up to $21.1 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $200,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. Hancock County will consider additional property tax abatement and other incentives totaling approximately $30 million at the request of the company and the Hancock County Economic Development Corporation.
"EnerDel is a true trailblazer in the energy storage and clean-technology sector and the type of company we are proud to welcome into our community. We will work hard to ensure EnerDel's continued success as they grow into Hancock County and create jobs for our residents," said Derek Towle, president of the Hancock County Commissioners.
EnerDel is owned by Ener1, Inc., (Nasdaq: HEV), which also has ownership stake in THINK, a Norwegian electric car manufacturer which announced earlier this month that it will locate its North American production facility in Elkhart, Ind. creating more than 400 jobs by 2013.
About EnerDel
EnerDel is based in Indianapolis, IN. The company has one of the most advanced lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities in the world, and the only one of its kind in the United States.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
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Media Contacts:
Guy Westermeyer (Westcomm for EnerDel) - 317.685.9761 or guy@westcommonline.com
Matt Steward (Westcomm for EnerDel) - 317.270.4898 or msteward@westcommonline.com
Blair West (IEDC) - 317.232.8873 or bwest@iedc.in.gov
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