Lithium battery and technology leader Albemarle Corporation just announced plans to build a massive new advanced materials research and development facility in Charlotte’s University City.
The new complex will focus on advanced materials R&D, novel process development, and next-gen lithium-ion products. Specific focuses will include; lithium recovery, improve production methods, and new forms of lithium to propel lithium-ion batteries and the electric vehicle technology. It will create at least 200 new jobs with an average salary of $94,000 per year.
“North Carolina’s innovation economy continues to surge thanks to Albemarle Corporation building its research and development operations in Mecklenburg County,” said Governor Cooper in a press release about the announcement. “Albemarle’s cutting edge work will help bring the next generation of clean energy technology to life and create great jobs in North Carolina’s clean energy economy.”
News: @AlbemarleCorp, a global chemicals company, is expanding in #MecklenburgCounty. The company will create 200+ jobs and an advanced materials research and development facility with an investment of $180 million.
More: https://t.co/6O06vbxAiC#EconDev #Expansion pic.twitter.com/Qy45Lrc1wK— N.C. Commerce (@NCCommerce) December 13, 2022
“Albemarle Technology Park is part of our mine-to-market innovation strategy to invest in the U.S. EV battery supply chain & to be a leader in advanced lithium materials for next-generation energy storage,” said Kent Masters, Albemarle CEO.
Full release: https://t.co/jt0oIG3QZk pic.twitter.com/tVTBxR7jOJ
— Albemarle Corp. (@AlbemarleCorp) December 13, 2022
The new facility will cement North Carolina and specifically Charlotte’s role as a leader in EV innovation and technology. Over the past 2 years, global EV companies including Arrival, Toyota, and VinFast have announced major investments across the state. The I-85 corridor through the Carolinas is emerging as the destination for electric vehicle and clean energy innovation.
“Charlotte has been home to Albemarle Corporation for several years,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This investment signifies their commitment to the growth and innovation of the company as well as our city, and we have a talented workforce that can fill the jobs this expansion will bring.”
What do you think about the new plans?