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manufacturing Dive
Bridgestone To Shutter Tennessee Radial Tire Plant
The LaVergne factory began operations in 1972 and was formerly owned by another tire maker, Firestone, until Bridgestone acquired the facility in 1983 as its first U.S. facility. Bridgestone opted to close the plant due to its age and high output costs, Ishibashi told analysts. With the pending closure, the company has integrated manufacturing at its U.S. facilities, such as the Morrison plant. In August 2023, Bridgestone broke ground on a $550 million Morrison plant expansion, set to be complete by the end of 2026. The expansion is part of Bridgestoneâs long-term strategy to invest in 16 plants worldwide to shore up production of premium tires, which included the Morrison site and its Trenton, South Carolina, factory. The LaVergne plant closure and Morrison expansion are part of the tire manufacturerâs ongoing business plan to cost-effectively optimize its U.S. footprint. The strategy includes upgrading and expanding current facilities and reducing the workforce. Last year, Bridgestone cut over 100 jobs at its agricultural tire plant in Des Moines, Iowa. The company also offered employees buyouts at its Des Moines site in January. Bridgestone released an update to its business plan for 2025 earlier this month, forecasting a price increase in raw rubber materials. The tire maker is also facing the uncertainty of tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which may have negative impacts on its supply chain and its car manufacturing customers, Ishibashi said. The tire maker is closely monitoring the levies on Canada and Mexico, as well as steel tariffs, since Bridgestone uses steel coil in the tires, Ishibashi added in the Feb. 22 earnings call. In the event the tariffs take effect, the companyâs assumption will be to further utilize its U.S. production plants, Ishibashi said. However, he added that the biggest risk will be on Bridgestoneâs U.S. operations, which is 40% of the companyâs revenue. âThe various plans are dissimilated and for each of the possibilities, we are trying to come up from the worst possible plans,â the CEO said. âAnd we do have to be mindful of end consumers. We do have to deal with the core assemblers. So, import tariffs in which companies, how the process are going to be the enforced, we do not know for sure.â Bridgestone is not the only tire maker on the lookout for Trumpâs Mexico and Canada tariffs impact, which are currently set to go into effect March 4. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.âs Q4 and full-year 2024 earnings improved due to their own corporate savings plan. However, the looming tariffs on the two countries could reduce the Goodyearâs flexibility to use its global manufacturing facilities to meet tire demand, according to a recent securities filing.
factory
Feb 28, 2025
manufacturing Dive
Mucinex Maker To Open Flagship Us Production Site
Reckitt, the maker of Mucinex, Air Wick and Lysol, is localizing its supply chain, SVP of supply for North America Philip Hampden-Smith said in an interview. When COVID-19 struck, the company reconsidered its approach on supply to be more consumer centric, Hampden-Smith said. For example, a U.S.-based facility offers quicker reaction time to changing consumer needs, versus a traditional supply chain that imports products from overseas. Reckitt is also focused on resiliency. âResilience is such a key factor, given all the variables that are in play these days, whether it's geopolitics, whether it's material challenges, regulatory environments, etc., but in a nutshell, I'm really looking to do is ensure that I build a future state, a supply network that can sustainably outperform,â he said. Last year, Reckitt acquired a manufacturing site in Wilson, North Carolina, as part of its resiliency strategy. The site is set to expand customer access to over-the-counter Mucinex tablets and liquids, and Move Free vitamin supplements to reach demand for cold and flu symptom relief, according to a December 2024 press release. âIt's all about onshoring, localization and really being much more agile to our consumers,â he said. The 310,000-square-foot warehouse will be equipped with new technology and capabilities, including digitalization, and will serve as the companyâs U.S. flagship for over-the-counter manufacturing, Hampden-Smith said. âIt will absolutely have the greatest of people, the greatest of assets and in terms of operating model and operating systems, it will be one of our most advanced facilities,â Hampden-Smith said. The $200-million facility investment, which aims to be Reckittâs largest U.S. over-the-counter facility, is slated to become operational in early 2027. Outside of the Wilson facility, Reckitt has plans to potentially expand its capacity. The company did not disclose specifics on what is to come next. âWe look at optimization, but we're undertaking network assessments, both in the manufacturing side and the warehouse side. So yes, resiliency means it never ends, but yes, there is plans outside of just Wilson,â Hampden-Smith said. Reckittâs U.S. operations consist of three centers of research and development and seven manufacturing sites. Locations include Utah, New Jersey, Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota and Michigan, according to Reckittâs website.
factory
Feb 25, 2025
manufacturing Dive
Isuzu To Establish $280 Million Commercial Ev South Carolina Plant
The large-scale facility will allow Isuzu to consolidate all of its production operations under one roof to streamline processes and improve efficiency. The building lies on over 200 acres of land, which will enable Isuzu to store completed trucks, as well as manage assembly and logistics operations. The site also provides flexibility for the automaker to respond to demand in the North America commercial vehicle market, Isuzu said. The facility will introduce a variable-model, variable-volume production system to manufacture internal combustion engine vehicles and EVs. This allows Isuzu to cost-effectively and immediately change course if customer demand fluctuates in the North America commercial EV market. The Piedmont assembly plant will be the first in the company to use a production line without conveyors or pits, which is part of the systemâs implementation. Additionally, Isuzu will use automated inspections to erase operational errors, secure parts traceability and introduce image inspections and other methods to prevent defective production from being discharged, the automaker said in the release. Isuzu also plans to expand its production base in North America by aiming to increase its procurement of components needed for its battery-powered EVs, as well as grow its automotive technology research and development. The Piedmont facility is part of parent company Isuzu Motor Limitedâs strategy to expand its commercial mobility that it introduced in April 2024. The Japan-based automaker aims to bolster its autonomous driving solutions, connected services and carbon-neutral solutions that would generate 1 trillion yen in sales over the next decade, according to Isuzuâs press release. The plan includes making North America the region to launch its battery-powered EV business. In August 2024, the automaker conglomerate inked a five-year development agreement with vehicle software supplier Applied Intuition to develop Level 4 autonomous commercial trucks. Isuzu aims to launch the autonomous truck and bus business in Japan and North America in fiscal year 2028.
factory
Feb 21, 2025
manufacturing Dive
Isuzu To Establish $280 Million Commercial Ev South Carolina Plant
The large-scale facility will allow Isuzu to consolidate all of its production operations under one roof to streamline processes and improve efficiency. The building lies on over 200 acres of land, which will enable Isuzu to store completed trucks, as well as manage assembly and logistics operations. The site also provides flexibility for the automaker to respond to demand in the North America commercial vehicle market, Isuzu said. The facility will introduce a variable-model, variable-volume production system to manufacture internal combustion engine vehicles and EVs. This allows Isuzu to cost-effectively and immediately change course if customer demand fluctuates in the North America commercial EV market. The Piedmont assembly plant will be the first in the company to use a production line without conveyors or pits, which is part of the systemâs implementation. Additionally, Isuzu will use automated inspections to erase operational errors, secure parts traceability and introduce image inspections and other methods to prevent defective production from being discharged, the automaker said in the release. Isuzu also plans to expand its production base in North America by aiming to increase its procurement of components needed for its battery-powered EVs, as well as grow its automotive technology research and development. The Piedmont facility is part of parent company Isuzu Motor Limitedâs strategy to expand its commercial mobility that it introduced in April 2024. The Japan-based automaker aims to bolster its autonomous driving solutions, connected services and carbon-neutral solutions that would generate 1 trillion yen in sales over the next decade, according to Isuzuâs press release. The plan includes making North America the region to launch its battery-powered EV business. In August 2024, the automaker conglomerate inked a five-year development agreement with vehicle software supplier Applied Intuition to develop Level 4 autonomous commercial trucks. Isuzu aims to launch the autonomous truck and bus business in Japan and North America in fiscal year 2028.
factory
Feb 21, 2025
manufacturing Dive
Senators Frame TrumpâS Dol Pick As Bridge Between Employers, Employees
WASHINGTON, D.C. â Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was previously criticized for straddling the line between pro-union and pro-employer, played up her ability to move between worlds and represent all kinds of workers during her confirmation hearing Wednesday. Turnout was steep for the hearing, leading to the creation of an overflow room in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Viewers were taut with attention as members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions drilled Donald Trumpâs pick to head the Department of Labor. But first, in her opening testimony, Chavez-DeRemer gave listeners a glimpse into her lived experience to help contextualize her seeming contradictions as a Trump pick with a pro-labor record. The one-time congresswoman from Oregon grew up with a father who worked in a creamery and was a member of the Teamsters union. She and her husband also ran a small business together, giving her insight into the challenges facing employers. With manufacturing layoffs and the need for trade skilling top of mind, the DOL nominee outwardly reinforced her commitment to American workers. The HELP Committeeâs chairman, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and its ranking member, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., both came out swinging. Cassidy needled Chavez-DeRemer for her co-sponsorship of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a proposed law that would expand labor protections. Chavez-DeRemer acknowledged Cassidyâs concerns. âI recognize that Iâm no longer the lawmaker, and I do not believe that the secretary of labor should write the laws. It will be up to Congress to write those laws and to work together,â she said. âWhat I believe is that the American worker deserves to be paid attention to.â âI was working for Oregonâs 5th Congressional District in representing that. I wanted to be at that table. I never want to be left out of a conversation,â she explained of her PRO Act sponsorship. âI respect the right of the âright-to-workâ states. And I have said that the bill was imperfect.â Cassidy outlined further concerns, such as unions appealing to corporations and, in some cases, circumventing employers at the franchise level. âDo you believe federal law should prioritize policies that help small businesses thrive, rather than imposing new regulatory hurdles which could hinder their success?â he asked. âItâs important [to recognize] that the presidentâs goal is to uplift all business owners and uplift all American workers,â she said, adding that understanding the franchise model is âimportantâ in the U.S. âI supported the overturning of the NLRB rule on joint employers to support the franchise business model, and supported the president in this,â Chavez-DeRemer said. Cassidy also expressed worry that independent contractors could lose their flexibility at work and pressed Chavez-DeRemer to refrain from imposing any rules that could lead to that result. âI commit to working with you on supporting independent contractors through this process,â she said. She also underscored Trumpâs support for rule during his first administration. On the other side of the aisle, Sanders led by bringing up the current popularity of unions among the American workforce. Coming from a different ideological perspective, Sanders demanded to know if Chavez-DeRemer no longer supported the PRO Act. âI support the American worker,â she said, sparking Sandersâ famous ire and impatience â drawing dry laughter from onlookers. Sanders got the DOL nominee to admit that perhaps minimum wage may need to be reexamined â although, what works in Portland, Oregon, is ânot going to work for Grants Pass, Oregon,â she said. Still, the National Labor Relations Boardâs lack of a quorum was what Sanders truly grilled Chavez-DeRemer about, again and again. âDo you believe that the firing of Ms. Wilcox was illegal?â âPresident Trump has a right to exercise his executive power how he sees,â she said. âAre you concerned that we do not have a functioning NLRB right now?â Sanders continued. âThe NLRB is separate from the Department of Labor,â the DOL pick said. âBut I do believe that the function of the NLRB is important, and I will always take that into consideration.â Along with child labor concerns, which were a recurring talking point on both sides of the aisle, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., questioned Chavez-DeRemerâs commitment to ethics. First, Murray asked about a misallocation of funds, to which the DOL nominee responded, âThe president of the United States has the power to determine what heâs going to do through his executive power.â âWill you follow the law?â âI will always follow the law and the constitution.â âIf you receive a directive to violate appropriations laws and withhold funding for workers, what will you do?â Murray pressed. âI do not believe the president is going to ask me to break the law,â Chavez-DeRemer responded. Then, Murray extended her questioning to the Department of Government Efficiency. She outlined the conflict of interest in DOGE being headed by Elon Musk, who, as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has faced investigations from Department of Labor agencies whose data he now has accessed. She also mentioned insider trading concerns; with this context, she asked the potential secretary if she would protect private data held by the department. âI will always protect the Department of Labor and those issues,â Chavez-DeRemer said. Prior to introducing Chavez-DeRemer, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., took the opportunity to acknowledge Teamsters Union President Sean OâBrien, who was present at the hearing. While the Teamsters did not endorse a presidential candidate this past election, OâBrien did speak at the 2024 Republican National Convention. (Reportedly, OâBrien sought to speak at the Democratic National Convention to no avail.) Just last week, the Teamsters also endorsed Chavez-DeRemer as the DOL Secretary pick. Not only was OâBrienâs presence noteworthy, but Mullinâs nod to him was poignant. Previously, OâBrien and Mullin butted heads during a November 2023 committee hearing, which led to a heated exchange on X and an invitation to physically fight one another. Mullinâs acknowledgment of his ânew friendâ OâBrien elicited chuckles, but the Oklahoma senator had a point: Chavez-DeRemer was âuniquely positionedâ to bring past foes together. âI would hope that you would set your biased opinions to the side, and understand that this is a negotiation between two [factions] of the party, that is saying, âWe are willing to work together,ââ Mullin said. Despite maintaining a calm, level demeanor, the DOL pick managed to evade a number of questions. She frequently reminded senators that she was no longer a member of Congress, and that the goal of the DOL was not lawmaking â but that she would help enforce whatever bills Congress passed. When senators, like Sanders, pressed her and asked her what she would do or say âifâ she was in his position, she simply responded that she wasnât in that position, leaning on phrases like âI havenât even stepped foot into the DOLâ and âI havenât been read into that.â At one point, Murray pressed her further about misappropriated funds â not accepting her answer that the president wouldnât ask Chavez-DeRemer to do something illegal. âWe have seen that across the board since he was put into office where he is violating that law, so you will likely be asked,â Murray said, pushing back. âWhat will you do?â âWell, itâs a hypothetical. I have not talked to the president on this issue,â Chavez-DeRemer said. âI do not believe the president would ever ask me to violate the law.â
factory
Feb 20, 2025
manufacturing Dive
Senators Frame TrumpâS Dol Pick As Bridge Between Employers, Employees
WASHINGTON, D.C. â Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was previously criticized for straddling the line between pro-union and pro-employer, played up her ability to move between worlds and represent all kinds of workers during her confirmation hearing Wednesday. Turnout was steep for the hearing, leading to the creation of an overflow room in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Viewers were taut with attention as members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions drilled Donald Trumpâs pick to head the Department of Labor. But first, in her opening testimony, Chavez-DeRemer gave listeners a glimpse into her lived experience to help contextualize her seeming contradictions as a Trump pick with a pro-labor record. The one-time congresswoman from Oregon grew up with a father who worked in a creamery and was a member of the Teamsters union. She and her husband also ran a small business together, giving her insight into the challenges facing employers. With manufacturing layoffs and the need for trade skilling top of mind, the DOL nominee outwardly reinforced her commitment to American workers. The HELP Committeeâs chairman, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and its ranking member, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., both came out swinging. Cassidy needled Chavez-DeRemer for her co-sponsorship of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a proposed law that would expand labor protections. Chavez-DeRemer acknowledged Cassidyâs concerns. âI recognize that Iâm no longer the lawmaker, and I do not believe that the secretary of labor should write the laws. It will be up to Congress to write those laws and to work together,â she said. âWhat I believe is that the American worker deserves to be paid attention to.â âI was working for Oregonâs 5th Congressional District in representing that. I wanted to be at that table. I never want to be left out of a conversation,â she explained of her PRO Act sponsorship. âI respect the right of the âright-to-workâ states. And I have said that the bill was imperfect.â Cassidy outlined further concerns, such as unions appealing to corporations and, in some cases, circumventing employers at the franchise level. âDo you believe federal law should prioritize policies that help small businesses thrive, rather than imposing new regulatory hurdles which could hinder their success?â he asked. âItâs important [to recognize] that the presidentâs goal is to uplift all business owners and uplift all American workers,â she said, adding that understanding the franchise model is âimportantâ in the U.S. âI supported the overturning of the NLRB rule on joint employers to support the franchise business model, and supported the president in this,â Chavez-DeRemer said. Cassidy also expressed worry that independent contractors could lose their flexibility at work and pressed Chavez-DeRemer to refrain from imposing any rules that could lead to that result. âI commit to working with you on supporting independent contractors through this process,â she said. She also underscored Trumpâs support for rule during his first administration. On the other side of the aisle, Sanders led by bringing up the current popularity of unions among the American workforce. Coming from a different ideological perspective, Sanders demanded to know if Chavez-DeRemer no longer supported the PRO Act. âI support the American worker,â she said, sparking Sandersâ famous ire and impatience â drawing dry laughter from onlookers. Sanders got the DOL nominee to admit that perhaps minimum wage may need to be reexamined â although, what works in Portland, Oregon, is ânot going to work for Grants Pass, Oregon,â she said. Still, the National Labor Relations Boardâs lack of a quorum was what Sanders truly grilled Chavez-DeRemer about, again and again. âDo you believe that the firing of Ms. Wilcox was illegal?â âPresident Trump has a right to exercise his executive power how he sees,â she said. âAre you concerned that we do not have a functioning NLRB right now?â Sanders continued. âThe NLRB is separate from the Department of Labor,â the DOL pick said. âBut I do believe that the function of the NLRB is important, and I will always take that into consideration.â Along with child labor concerns, which were a recurring talking point on both sides of the aisle, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., questioned Chavez-DeRemerâs commitment to ethics. First, Murray asked about a misallocation of funds, to which the DOL nominee responded, âThe president of the United States has the power to determine what heâs going to do through his executive power.â âWill you follow the law?â âI will always follow the law and the constitution.â âIf you receive a directive to violate appropriations laws and withhold funding for workers, what will you do?â Murray pressed. âI do not believe the president is going to ask me to break the law,â Chavez-DeRemer responded. Then, Murray extended her questioning to the Department of Government Efficiency. She outlined the conflict of interest in DOGE being headed by Elon Musk, who, as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has faced investigations from Department of Labor agencies whose data he now has accessed. She also mentioned insider trading concerns; with this context, she asked the potential secretary if she would protect private data held by the department. âI will always protect the Department of Labor and those issues,â Chavez-DeRemer said. Prior to introducing Chavez-DeRemer, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., took the opportunity to acknowledge Teamsters Union President Sean OâBrien, who was present at the hearing. While the Teamsters did not endorse a presidential candidate this past election, OâBrien did speak at the 2024 Republican National Convention. (Reportedly, OâBrien sought to speak at the Democratic National Convention to no avail.) Just last week, the Teamsters also endorsed Chavez-DeRemer as the DOL Secretary pick. Not only was OâBrienâs presence noteworthy, but Mullinâs nod to him was poignant. Previously, OâBrien and Mullin butted heads during a November 2023 committee hearing, which led to a heated exchange on X and an invitation to physically fight one another. Mullinâs acknowledgment of his ânew friendâ OâBrien elicited chuckles, but the Oklahoma senator had a point: Chavez-DeRemer was âuniquely positionedâ to bring past foes together. âI would hope that you would set your biased opinions to the side, and understand that this is a negotiation between two [factions] of the party, that is saying, âWe are willing to work together,ââ Mullin said. Despite maintaining a calm, level demeanor, the DOL pick managed to evade a number of questions. She frequently reminded senators that she was no longer a member of Congress, and that the goal of the DOL was not lawmaking â but that she would help enforce whatever bills Congress passed. When senators, like Sanders, pressed her and asked her what she would do or say âifâ she was in his position, she simply responded that she wasnât in that position, leaning on phrases like âI havenât even stepped foot into the DOLâ and âI havenât been read into that.â At one point, Murray pressed her further about misappropriated funds â not accepting her answer that the president wouldnât ask Chavez-DeRemer to do something illegal. âWe have seen that across the board since he was put into office where he is violating that law, so you will likely be asked,â Murray said, pushing back. âWhat will you do?â âWell, itâs a hypothetical. I have not talked to the president on this issue,â Chavez-DeRemer said. âI do not believe the president would ever ask me to violate the law.â
factory
Feb 20, 2025
manufacturing Dive
Freyr Battery Cancels $2.6B Georgia Battery Factory Plans
Trina Solar announced it was investing more than $200 million to establish the Wilmer plant in September 2023. About a year later, global banking company Standard Chartered secured a $235 million green loan to finance the development and construction of the 1.35-million-square-foot plant. Once itâs completed, the Wilmer facility will create up to 1,500 jobs and source polysilicon from the U.S. and Europe, according to Trina Solarâs September 2023 press release. The site will also have seven production lines, Freyrâs SVP of Communications Amy Jaick said in an email. Production on the plant began Nov. 1, 2024. The company has taken further steps to implement its U.S. solar module strategy. Freyr announced on Feb. 10 it selected Austin, Texas, as its new global headquarters. The location brings the company closer to the Wilmer site, which is in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Freyr is also currently developing a 5 GW solar cell manufacturing facility in the U.S., Jaick said. Freyr plans to announce the plantâs location in the coming months and production is expected to begin in the first half of 2026. The company expects to spend $850 million on the new facility as well as create 1,800 jobs, according to the presentation. The Wilmer plant and solar cell factory are expected to be fully eligible for Inflation Reduction Act production tax credits, which Freyr plans to apply for. However, the future of the tax credits under Trump is unclear, given the presidentâs vocal opposition to the subsidies.
factory
Feb 19, 2025
manufacturing Dive
Lyten Inks Deals With Sulfur Suppliers For Battery Manufacturing
Lyten, founded in 2015, has invested heavily in growing its operations to support lithium-sulfur battery manufacturing, which has garnered attention from investors for its sustainable, cost-effective benefits compared to traditional batteries. The technology also has the potential to curb the United Statesâ reliance on China for lithium-ion battery imports as tariffs escalate between the two countries. âToday the supply of nearly every lithium-ion battery is controlled by a single country, creating an enormous vulnerability for the US,â Lyten co-founder and CEO Dan Cook said in a Feb. 12 statement. Beyond imports, mined minerals used in todayâs batteries, such as nickel, manganese, cobalt and iron, often travel up to 50,000 miles in sourcing and manufacturing, according to Lyten. Alternatively, sulfur is abundant in the U.S. and can be sourced less than 100 miles from the companyâs factories. The low-cost ingredient can also yield lighter battery cathodes for improved functionality compared to competing materials, according to a release. Sulfur-based battery cathodes are 40% lighter in weight than lithium-ion and 70% lighter than lithium iron phosphate. âIn our observation, electrifying everything requires the lighter battery weights we are achieving with Lithium-Sulfur,â Celina Mikolajczak, Lytenâs chief battery technology officer, said in a statement. Historically, lithium-sulfur has faced criticism of corrosion and poor battery life compared to other materials, according to a 2023 study from Argonne National Laboratory. However, researchers also noted that new designs and innovations could unlock the full potential of lithium-sulfur. Lyten has seen great investment and growth in just the last year. In addition to its $1 billion gigafactory, Lyten recently announced the acquisition of Northvoltâs Cuberg assets in San Leandro. In December, the company received a $650 million commitment from the Export Import Bank of the U.S. to scale up lithium-sulfur for battery storage systems. Lyten is also developing the technology for Chryslerâs Halcyon Concept electric vehicle and Aevex Aerospaceâs unmanned aerial vehicles.
factory
Feb 19, 2025
manufacturing Dive
Lyten Inks Deals With Sulfur Suppliers For Battery Manufacturing
Lyten, founded in 2015, has invested heavily in growing its operations to support lithium-sulfur battery manufacturing, which has garnered attention from investors for its sustainable, cost-effective benefits compared to traditional batteries. The technology also has the potential to curb the United Statesâ reliance on China for lithium-ion battery imports as tariffs escalate between the two countries. âToday the supply of nearly every lithium-ion battery is controlled by a single country, creating an enormous vulnerability for the US,â Lyten co-founder and CEO Dan Cook said in a Feb. 12 statement. Beyond imports, mined minerals used in todayâs batteries, such as nickel, manganese, cobalt and iron, often travel up to 50,000 miles in sourcing and manufacturing, according to Lyten. Alternatively, sulfur is abundant in the U.S. and can be sourced less than 100 miles from the companyâs factories. The low-cost ingredient can also yield lighter battery cathodes for improved functionality compared to competing materials, according to a release. Sulfur-based battery cathodes are 40% lighter in weight than lithium-ion and 70% lighter than lithium iron phosphate. âIn our observation, electrifying everything requires the lighter battery weights we are achieving with Lithium-Sulfur,â Celina Mikolajczak, Lytenâs chief battery technology officer, said in a statement. Historically, lithium-sulfur has faced criticism of corrosion and poor battery life compared to other materials, according to a 2023 study from Argonne National Laboratory. However, researchers also noted that new designs and innovations could unlock the full potential of lithium-sulfur. Lyten has seen great investment and growth in just the last year. In addition to its $1 billion gigafactory, Lyten recently announced the acquisition of Northvoltâs Cuberg assets in San Leandro. In December, the company received a $650 million commitment from the Export Import Bank of the U.S. to scale up lithium-sulfur for battery storage systems. Lyten is also developing the technology for Chryslerâs Halcyon Concept electric vehicle and Aevex Aerospaceâs unmanned aerial vehicles.
factory
Feb 19, 2025
manufacturing Dive
Freyr Battery Cancels $2.6B Georgia Battery Factory Plans
Trina Solar announced it was investing more than $200 million to establish the Wilmer plant in September 2023. About a year later, global banking company Standard Chartered secured a $235 million green loan to finance the development and construction of the 1.35-million-square-foot plant. Once itâs completed, the Wilmer facility will create up to 1,500 jobs and source polysilicon from the U.S. and Europe, according to Trina Solarâs September 2023 press release. The site will also have seven production lines, Freyrâs SVP of Communications Amy Jaick said in an email. Production on the plant began Nov. 1, 2024. The company has taken further steps to implement its U.S. solar module strategy. Freyr announced on Feb. 10 it selected Austin, Texas, as its new global headquarters. The location brings the company closer to the Wilmer site, which is in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Freyr is also currently developing a 5 GW solar cell manufacturing facility in the U.S., Jaick said. Freyr plans to announce the plantâs location in the coming months and production is expected to begin in the first half of 2026. The company expects to spend $850 million on the new facility as well as create 1,800 jobs, according to the presentation. The Wilmer plant and solar cell factory are expected to be fully eligible for Inflation Reduction Act production tax credits, which Freyr plans to apply for. However, the future of the tax credits under Trump is unclear, given the presidentâs vocal opposition to the subsidies.
factory
Feb 19, 2025