Exide Technologies, a manufacturer of lead-acid batteries, will invest $34.3 million to expand its operations in Columbus, Georgia, according to the Georgia governor's office. The company expects to create 200 new jobs with the expansion. The funding will come from a grant the company received as part of the $2.4 billion in awards provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for advanced battery and electric drive projects. Lead-acid batteries have numerous industrial and transportation applications and are said to be more cost-effective than other advanced battery technologies. "Despite the current economic situation, we believe this area of investment can be expected to yield significant benefits, including job creation, energy savings, and an association with both advanced technology and environmental sustainability," says Gordon Ulsh, Exide Technologies' president and CEO. "Georgia's business-friendly environment and top-notch training makes it a natural fit for this expansion." The company will receive training assistance from the state.
