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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

BrightVolt Expands Newberry, Indiana, Operations Center

09/14/2017
BrightVolt, a designer and developer of ultra-thin film batteries, announced plans today to expand its operations in Newberry, Indiana. The company plans to create up to 30 new, high-wage jobs by 2020.

The Redmond, Washington-based company will expand to support its quickly-growing research and development operations at the Battery Innovation Center (BIC) in Newberry. The company, which launched its research and development partnership with the BIC in August, anticipates being fully operational in its 5,000-square-foot space by the end of September, with plans to potentially triple its space at the BIC by late 2018 as it begins to manufacture new battery prototypes at the facility.

BrightVolt develops flexible, ultra-thin lithium batteries, which are customized to provide high-energy solutions in applications that cannot hold traditional batteries. This includes applications such as medical devices, Internet of Things devices, shipping labels, powered cards and wearable electronics.

“We’re big fans of Indiana, the state has an appealing business climate, available skilled technical people with manufacturing expertise, a strong work ethic and a fantastic location for us to co-locate at the Battery Innovation Center,” said Todd Peters, CEO at BrightVolt. “We believe we can grow and expand our business operations within the state in a way not available to us in most other locations.”

“Indiana has become a global center of innovation,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “Whether it’s the latest in tech, aerospace, manufacturing or beyond, Hoosiers are leading the development of 21st century solutions. As BrightVolt grows, we look forward to seeing the next-generation battery technology Hoosiers will be developing right here in southern Indiana.”

Located adjacent to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, BrightVolt’s location at the BIC provides it with close proximity to leaders from universities, businesses and government organizations focused on developing and commercializing new technology. In addition to its partnership with the BIC, BrightVolt also houses additional research and development operations at a facility in Florida.

"Greene County is pleased that BrightVolt has chosen to bring their exciting new technology to our community," said Rick Graves, member of the Greene County Commissioners. "The growing cluster of assets that includes the Battery Innovation Center, the Westgate at Crane Technology Park, I-69, NSA Crane and more are a wonderful environment for businesses to grow and prosper. Greene County will be ready to work with BrightVolt to ensure that they have everything they need to succeed here."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered BrightVolt Inc. up to $200,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $175,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.

The Regional Impact Fund of Radius Indiana provided additional incentives. Greene County made significant infrastructure improvements within the Westgate @ Crane Technology Park and provided funding that enabled the construction of the BIC facility, which was established in 2013. Greene County is committed to working with its partners and with BrightVolt as it begins to utilize the research facilities to expand its present technological and manufacturing capabilities.

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