Company is first and only supplier of U.S.-made synthetic graphite
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, along with federal, state and local officials, celebrated NOVONIX’s new facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., where the company will produce high-capacity long-life synthetic graphite anode material. NOVONIX is the only qualified U.S. supplier of the material, which is used in lithium-ion batteries.
“The local support for this means not just something for Chattanooga, and it’s not just for Tennessee, but it really is for the country,” said Sec. Granholm. “The fact that we’re at a facility that once employed about 230 people and that now is going to employ 300 people, making the future of our transportation energy system secure, is such a great day for America.”
In a celebration today, elected officials, civic leaders and NOVONIX executives and board members marked commencement of Riverside Recharged, signifying the company’s nearly $20 million retrofit and creation of 290 jobs at the 400,000-square-foot facility located along the Tennessee River.
“This is a major milestone for the Electric Vehicle industry with the establishment of the U.S.’ first anode manufacturing facility, and we are honored to have Secretary Granholm here to celebrate the occasion,” said NOVONIX Board Member Andrew Liveris AO, who is also Chairman of Lucid Motors. “Our novel technologies are showing the path forward for the U.S. and global electric vehicle market, and our Chattanooga facility is at the center of the electrification of the U.S. economy.”
The company’s technology accelerates research and development from years to weeks. Its material is used in lithium batteries in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. Soon, NOVONIX will be producing premium synthetic graphite at the Chattanooga facility, with a goal of 10,000 tonnes per year by 2023 and 40,000 tonnes by 2025.
“NOVONIX is transforming the battery material market and lessening U.S. dependence on foreign sources,” said Dr. Chris Burns, CEO of NOVONIX. “Through our technological breakthroughs, we are the first and only U.S. supplier of synthetic graphite to be qualified with a Tier 1 battery cell manufacturer. Our solution is helping to power the energy storage market, leading to better performance, longer life and lower costs.”
The Chattanooga facility was once owned by GE, where the company made nuclear turbines, but it closed operations in 2016. NOVONIX’s acquisition, retrofitting and production plans represent an overall $160 million investment.
“When a global company like NOVONIX chooses to invest here, it’s a win for Chattanooga and all Tennesseans, especially when it’s in an area that had remained dormant for years,” said U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee’s 3rd District. “Chattanooga is a place for innovation, and we welcome companies like NOVONIX, which are leading the way in their industry and creating good paying jobs.”
Today’s program and speakers included former U.S. Senator and Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, Rep. Fleischmann, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe, Dr. Burns, Sec. Granholm and NOVONIX board members Liveris and Zhanna Golodryga, Phillips 66 Senior VP and Chief Digital and Administrative Officer.
The majority of NOVONIX jobs at the Riverside facility will be highly skilled operators and machinists, and the company will offer technical on-the-job training. Hiring plans and information on job openings will be available on the NOVONIX website.
For more information on NOVONIX, visit NovonixGroup.com.
About NOVONIX
NOVONIX Limited (ASX: NVX) is an integrated developer and supplier of high-performance materials, equipment and services for the global lithium-ion battery industry with operations in the U.S. and Canada and sales in more than 14 countries. NOVONIX’s mission is to enable a clean energy future by producing longer-life and lower-cost battery materials and technologies.
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