Green Energy Company plans up to 250 jobs in first US factory
State funds will help build battery technology and manufacturing facilities to support domestic innovation and commercialization of next-generation battery manufacturing
Thanks to Governor HochulGovernor’s Press Service.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced yesterday that Electrovaya, Inc., a manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for utility transportation and storage, has chosen the town of Ellicott in Chautauqua County as the location for its first manufacturing facility in the US. The publicly traded company will create its newest manufacturing facility, which will generate up to 250 jobs and, when fully operational, will produce more than one GWh of batteries annually. The investment supports the broader New Energy New York initiative, which aims to create a National Hub for Battery Innovation and Manufacturing.
“New York State continues to play a leading role in the research and development of advanced, advanced and innovative energy technologies,” Governor Hochul said. “With state resources, Electrovaya will bring up to 250 jobs to Chautauqua County and increase New York’s involvement in the growing clean energy sector. The race has begun to capture the high paying jobs that come with clean technology, and there is no place like New York where these manufacturers can grow, operate and thrive.”
The company will locate at 1 Precision Way in an effort to meet the strong demand for lithium-ion batteries for e-forklifts, e-trucks and e-buses. Electrovaya chose this facility in southern Chautauqua County after it was the best location for the company to service its growing customer base in the United States, given its skilled workforce and available renewable electricity, among other benefits.
CEO of Electrovaya Dr. Raj Das Gupta said: “As the United States and the world enter an unprecedented growth phase for electric vehicles and electromobility, lithium-ion batteries and their components are critical to the industry’s success. Electrovaya is proud to bring our sustainable technologies and approaches to New York State as Electrovaya’s first commercial facility in the United States. The facility will produce lithium-ion cells and modules, essential components for the production of lithium-ion batteries. We are excited to support the creation of high-quality jobs in Chautauqua County and look forward to our continued growth in Western New York.”
Electrovaya Inc., with industry-leading performance and significant intellectual property, is a leader in global energy transformation, focused on helping prevent climate change by providing safe and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. Electrovaya designs, develops and manufactures its own lithium-ion batteries, battery systems and battery-related products for energy storage, clean electric transportation and other specialized applications.
Empire State Development (ESD) is helping the project with up to $4 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program and $2.5 million in Regional Council Capital Funding to set up this lithium-ion battery manufacturing and manufacturing facility in a former manufacturing facility, taking advantage of creating 250 new jobs and producing 1 GWh of battery and energy storage devices over the next five years. In July, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees approved a low-cost hydropower allocation of more than 1.5 megawatts to Jamestown under the Power Authority’s Industrial Economic Development program to meet the increased electrical load as due to the expansion of Electrovaya’s Town of Ellicott. The initial cost for the facility has been estimated at approximately $75 million and is expected to open in the fall of 2023.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said: “Electrovaya’s decision to establish a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Chautauqua County marks another important step toward achieving Governor Hochul’s aggressive clean energy goals. By supporting this emerging sector, New York State is creating hundreds of jobs, while also increasing our global leadership in the energy storage and advanced battery industries.”
New York Power Authority Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said: “Niagara hydropower is essential to Western New York’s fast-growing economy. By supporting Electrovaya’s expansion with clean, renewable hydropower, New York is supporting hundreds of jobs in an industry that will help advance Governor Hochul’s leading clean energy agenda.”
Katherine Conway-Turner, co-chair of the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council and president of Buffalo State College, said: “Demand for clean energy components such as batteries is growing, and Western New York is working to be at the forefront of this industry of the future. Companies like Electrovaya are bringing new jobs and new investment to Chautauqua County, thanks to New York’s commitment to clean energy and innovation.”
Western New York Regional Economic Development Council co-chair and Campus Labs co-founder Eric Reich said: “We look forward to the arrival of Electrovaya’s new battery plant in Chautauqua County. The REDC is proud to be growing Western New York’s clean energy economy with this landmark business venture, resulting in new jobs and prosperity for the people of our region.”
Executive Director of the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium Dr. William Acke said: “NY-BEST is pleased to welcome Electrovaya to New York State. As a leader in advanced lithium-ion batteries, Electrovaya will be an important addition to our robust and growing ecosystem for New York’s battery and energy storage industry, creating new skilled jobs and supporting New York’s clean energy economy.”
President & CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara Tom Kucharski said: “Electrovaya’s decision confirms Buffalo Niagara’s dedicated workforce, its geographic lead on the Can-Am frontier and its status as a destination for innovative companies doing important work. We are pleased to welcome Electrovaya to Western, focused on clean energy transfer and climate change prevention.”
State Senator George M. Borello said: “Congratulations to everyone who helped secure another economic development victory for Chautauqua County and our entire region. Our community has proven time and again that it has the workforce, infrastructure and business-friendly leadership that manufacturers like Electrovaya are looking for. The company’s forward-looking technology will complement other high-growth industries in the area and contribute to employment and economic growth coming years.”
Assembly Member Andrew Goodell said: “It is great news that the Chautauqua County has convinced IDA, its employees and County Executive Wendel Electrovaya to continue with the lithium battery production plans in Jamestown. These products will play a key role in our future. Our area has a proud history of dedicated and quality employees who will undoubtedly make this project a success.”
Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel said: “I am delighted that Electrovaya has chosen Chautauqua County as a location to expand its business. The investment will breathe new life into the old Heidenhain facility in the Mason Industrial Park as the company continues its success in lithium battery manufacturing, creating up to 250 jobs in our province over the next 10 years.”
City of Ellicott Supervisor Janet Bowman said: “The City of Ellicott is delighted and excited that Electrovaya has become the newest business addition to the Mason Industrial Park. The purchase of the former Heidenhain property adds another piece to our goal of populating the industrial estate. We welcome this highly successful Canadian company, Electrovaya, to the town of Ellicott.”
Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency Mark Geise said: “I am grateful that the CCIDA could be a part of securing a responsible party in a rapidly growing industry to purchase and invest in this beautiful building and put it back into productive use. The CCIDA will continue to work with Electrovaya to ensure they have the resources they need to get production up and running and are sustainable over the long term. In addition to Electrovaya, I would like to Invest Buffalo Niagara, Empire State Development, the City of Ellicott, the CCIDA team, New York State Power Authority, Hanna Holt Reality (Melissa Uber) and all other stakeholders who have a hand to bring this project to a successful conclusion .”
Jamestown Board of Public Utilities General Manager David L. Leathers said: “What absolutely wonderful news for Chautauqua County and the greater Jamestown area! The BPU area of Jamestown continues to be a very attractive location for manufacturing companies and BPU board members and staff are delighted to welcome Electrovaya to our community. Our goal is to attract leaders in clean energy production and climate technology to Jamestown and this new producer of lithium-ion batteries and cells is an exciting addition to the industrial hub in the eastern part of our system. We are committed to supporting the Electrovaya team and helping them thrive in their new facility.”
Featured image courtesy of Electrovaya.
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