NanoGraf brings clean energy manufacturing jobs to Flint

• The project is expected to initially create 200 new construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs.
• The plant will produce enough material to supply 1.5 million EV batteries per year.

Battery maker NanoGraf announced today that it will set up shop in Flint, bringing jobs and huge potential for growth, thanks to $60 million in US Department of Energy funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“We are thrilled to welcome NanoGraf to Flint,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “The combined investment from NanoGraf and the Department of Energy will ensure domestic access to innovative battery technology, meeting future demand for higher-performing EVs, and creating high-paying jobs that will benefit Flint for years to come.”

The combined $175 million project enables NanoGraf to produce 2,500 tons of silicon anode material to support up to 1.5 million electric vehicles per year, putting Flint in a key position to support auto electrification supply chain in the Great Lakes region.

“No City of Flint funding has been invested in this project, and there is no tax abatement,” Emily Doerr, Flint Director of Business and Community Services said. “This means our community will receive the full benefits of this economic multiplier from day one, including increased tax revenue to support local infrastructure and service for Flint residents.”

The City of Flint’s concierge service for businesses played a key role in bringing NanoGraf to Flint. City staff provided coordination for zoning needs, priorities for economic development, and robust connections throughout the community for workforce pipelines and possible suppliers. This support contributed to a strong application to the US Department of Energy to secure the necessary funding for NanoGraf’s Flint expansion.

“NanoGraf has worked intentionally with the City of Flint to develop relationships with local leaders to support both NanoGraf’s expansion and the city’s continued development,” Tyler Bailey, Flint Deputy Director of Business Services said. “Each of Flint’s institutions of higher education have pledged to collaborate with NanoGraf to create workforce development programs, including curriculum for entry level employment through Mott Community College, managerial positions with the University of Michigan-Flint, and highly technical apprenticeships and future employment opportunities with students and graduates of Kettering University.”

Nanograf issued the following release:

U.S. Department of Energy Awards NanoGraf $60 Million Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Build One of the World’s Largest Silicon Anode Battery Material Factories in Flint, Michigan

The combined $175 million project enables NanoGraf to produce 2,500 tons of silicon anode material to support up to 1.5 million EVs per year

September 20, 2024 08:41 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NanoGraf, an advanced silicon anode battery material company enabling stronger, lighter, and longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries, today announced it has been awarded a $60 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) fund supporting new and expanded commercial-scale domestic battery manufacturing projects. Additional matching grant dollars may also become available to fund the project from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund, administered through the Michigan Infrastructure Office.

NanoGraf will use the grant, in addition to its own capital, to retrofit an existing manufacturing facility in Flint, Michigan. At full capacity, the advanced production facility will produce 2,500 tons per year of NanoGraf’s proprietary silicon anode material – enough material to supply 1.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) per year.

The combined $175 million investment, with additional funds coming from NanoGraf, will create one of the world’s largest silicon anode facilities, significantly advancing U.S. efforts to onshore the battery supply chain and enhancing the performance of domestically made lithium-ion batteries.

“As a U.S.-based and U.S.-founded company, we’re committed to strengthening the domestic battery supply chain—and this factory is a big step forward,” said Francis Wang, CEO of NanoGraf. “Our expansion into Michigan will allow us to leap to larger scale production to meet national demands for high-performing EV batteries and consumer electronics.”

“This next stage of our growth further propels our position as a global leader in the race to electrification while also supporting communities at the local level by strengthening union relationships and building a skilled battery manufacturing workforce in the Midwest,” adds Wang.

The Flint factory is NanoGraf’s third battery material production facility and increases the company’s total manufacturing footprint to over 414,000 square feet. NanoGraf currently produces silicon anode material for the U.S. military out of two Chicago-based manufacturing facilities, including a new R&D facility at 455 N Ashland Avenue and its headquarters at 400 N Noble Street. Of note, NanoGraf recently announced it was supplying batteries to Thales Defense & Security Inc. for the handsets used by soldiers in the field.

“We are thrilled to welcome NanoGraf to Flint,” said Sheldon Neeley, Mayor of Flint. “The combined investment from NanoGraf and the Department of Energy will ensure domestic access to innovative battery technology, meeting future demand for higher-performing EVs, and creating high-paying jobs that will benefit Flint for years to come.”

The project will create approximately 200 construction jobs through a project labor agreement with the North American Building Trades Union. Up to 150 new permanent jobs will be created for operations, approximately 80% of which are expected to come directly from the local community. NanoGraf has signed a neutrality agreement with the United Steelworkers and is committed to partnering with them should a majority of employees wish to be represented by the union.

The company’s Michigan expansion will include the rollout of a community benefits program focused on workforce development, education, apprenticeships, and comprehensive benefits that reflect the needs of the community.

NanoGraf’s headquarters, military-focused production facilities, and R&D operations will remain in Chicago. For more information, visit nanograf.com.

About NanoGraf

NanoGraf is an advanced battery material company whose patented silicon anode technology enables longer-lasting, higher-energy, and higher-power lithium-ion batteries. NanoGraf works with over 50 companies, including leading consumer electronics, household appliance, and power tool brands, and over 12 strategic partners in electric mobility, from startups to Fortune 100s to the U.S. Department of Defense. NanoGraf is a spinout of Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory. For more information, visit nanograf.com.

About DOE Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains

MESC plays a critical and unique role in catalyzing investments in America’s energy future to support the re-shoring, skilling, and scaling of U.S. manufacturing across energy supply chains. MESC serves as the frontline of clean energy deployment and accelerates America’s transition to a resilient, equitable energy future through data-driven investments in manufacturing capacity and workforce development. Learn more at: www.energy.gov/mesc or LinkedIn.