The Economy

Battery Manufacturer Investing in New Indiana Plant

Jan. 22, 2010

EnerDel, an Indianapolis-based manufacturer of lithium-ion battery systems, announced that it will invest $237 million in a new manufacturing plant near its Indianapolis headquarters to meet anticipated demand for advanced battery systems used in both aut

Josh Cable

Backed by a mix of private funds and public incentives, the new facilities will more than double EnerDels U.S. production capacity and create 1,400 new jobs, according to the company.

The announcement came during an unveiling of the new EnerDel-powered C30 electric vehicle platform for Volvo Cars, the best-selling platform within Volvo, according to EnerDel. The unveiling was to commemorate 18 months of collaboration between the two companies, with EnerDel and Volvo management outlining the C30s path to commercialization for gathered media and investors. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels joined EnerDel and Volvo executives for the event.

State and local economic development incentives are valued at $69.9 million, which comprises a state incentive package of $21.3 million and Hancock County package valued at $48.6 million. EnerDel also has applied for an additional $9 million from federal government development programs.

Demand for high-performance lithium-ion battery systems is expanding dramatically, for vehicles of all sizes as well as the utility grid, and we are going to be fully prepared to meet it with a product stamped Made in America, said Charles Gassenheimer, chairman and CEO of EnerDel parent company Ener1 Inc.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.