EnerSys, a global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, has announced that it has selected Greenville, South Carolina, to develop a lithium-ion cell gigafactory to advance battery production in the United States. This new factory represents a long-term opportunity that will enable growth and allow EnerSys to optimize cell sizing in battery solutions for its customers, providing independence from non-domestic cell suppliers.
EnerSys has applied for a comprehensive incentive package through South Carolina and Greenville County valued at approximately $200 million, which includes a combination of short-term and long-term incentives. The company intends to use a portion of these proceeds, along with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) IRC 45X tax benefits and potential additional federal funding, to make a $500 million investment with the potential to create 500 high-quality new jobs.
EnerSys is evaluating the development of a 500,000 square foot state-of the-art manufacturing facility on approximately 140 acres in the Augusta Grove business park in Greenville. The operation, which would be the company’s second in South Carolina, would manufacture various form factors of lithium-ion cells for commercial, industrial and defense applications, with a production capacity of four gigawatt hours (GWh) per year.
“We recognize Greenville as an emerging hub for high-tech companies with an attractive talent pool in a thriving community. EnerSys is accelerating the global clean energy transition by significantly expanding our production of lithium-ion batteries across a broad range of end markets and applications. With the support of South Carolina and Greenville County this factory will help us meet our customers’ needs, including those with specific manufacturing requirements for domestic sourced batteries,” said EnerSys president and CEO David M. Shaffer.
“Congratulations to EnerSys and Greenville County on a partnership that brings new opportunities to South Carolina. The Upstate is set for significant transformation with an extraordinary $500 million investment, accompanied by the creation of 500 new jobs. This investment will shape the region's future, fostering sustained prosperity for South Carolina in the years ahead,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.
“We are pleased that EnerSys chose South Carolina to increase its statewide presence and host such a large operation. Our pro-business climate and prepared workforce make it possible for companies to start, grow and thrive in a place they enjoy calling home,” said secretary of commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
“Greenville County is proud to welcome EnerSys to South Carolina’s Upstate. Although growing, this community maintains a reputation for serving and helping one another. We look forward to including EnerSys and its team members in our Greenville family as we evolve into a long-lasting and successful partnership,” said chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee Bruce Bannister.
“Greenville welcomes EnerSys to our county and is grateful to its team for selecting our community to expand its technological capabilities. The company’s investment is a testament to Greenville’s diverse and robust manufacturing environment and highly skilled workforce,” said Greenville County Council chairman Dan Tripp.
This latest development comes after EnerSys announced on June 14, 2023, that it had entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Verkor SAS, a European leader in battery technology, to explore the development of a lithium battery gigafactory in the United States.
The company is targeting construction to begin in early 2025 and operations to be online in late 2027.
The transaction, among other things, is subject to customary closing conditions, final Board approval, regulatory and incentive approvals.
