CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Workers may soon have more jobs to choose from in Hamilton County after a manufacturing company announced that it plans to expand operations in Chattanooga.
The company, NOVONIX, builds batteries that are used in a variety of technologies. It also makes materials that are vital for batteries used in electric vehicles — anodes. This part of a battery helps keep an electric circuit going so that technology can use its electricity.
The Chattanooga plant will produce high-purity and high-consistency anode materials needed for long-life batteries.
To expand its operations, NOVONIX will buy and retrofit the former Alstom building. Officials said it will be the company's second building in Chattanooga and will be around 400,000 square feet large. They plan to produce more than 8,000 tons per year of materials.
As a result of the expansion, 290 new jobs will also be available for workers in the area. Chattanooga leaders also said they hope the expansion will help the downtown area continue growing as well as attract other companies to the area.
"NOVONIX represents a significant investment in a targeted industry with long-term opportunity for growth," said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. "This also positions our community for additional success in the energy storage sector.”
Officials said the project will take 10 - 15 years to complete. They also said the expansion is meant to address a need for the lithium-ion battery supply chain to be based more in the U.S.
"This project and the creation of nearly 300 new jobs will have a lasting impact on the Chattanooga community and Tennessee's economy," said Governor Bill Lee.