Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks after President Barack Obama took part in the Compact Power factory groundbreaking in Holland, Michigan.  The factory will produce advanced battery technology that will be used to power electric cars, including the Chevrolet Volt and a new version of the Ford Focus.

“Our state, with its outstanding workers and tremendous history in manufacturing, has firmly established itself as the U.S. home of advanced battery manufacturing,” Dingell said. “These factories of the future, like the one the President visited today, start by bringing hundreds of jobs.  As the marketplace for electric cars grows – and it will – more jobs and factories will follow.  Whether is a new company like A123 Systems or established automakers like General Motors and Ford, companies see Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Brownstown and Romulus as places to establish roots.  Others will follow them.  This is just the beginning of a very big change for Michigan.

“We owe a large part of this progress to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the vision of President Obama and Governor Jennifer Granholm.  They have spoken repeatedly on the need our state and our nation taking the lead in developing green energy projects.  The hard work they’ve been in the past couple years will produce long-term economic and environmental benefits.  I also want to credit the entire Michigan Delegation for joining me in the fight to successfully bring those ARRA dollars to Michigan for advanced battery investment here.  We are seeing the direct result of our collective hard work – new, good-paying jobs here in Michigan.”

Companies with Advanced Battery Technology Projects in the 15th Congressional District:

 

• A123 Systems – The company started in Ann Arbor will have large-volume manufacturing facilities in Romulus and Brownstown.  A123 received $249 million in ARRA to build batteries for Chrysler, Navistar, and Fisker Automotive.
• General Motors – Brownstown is home to the component factory that will integrate lithium ion battery cells into power packs for the Chevrolet Volt.  Around 120 workers will be needed to produce the power packs. GM received $105 million in ARRA funds for this project.  A study from Michigan State University indicates the success of the Volt could lead to 40,000 more jobs at plants associated with the vehicle.
• Ford – The company’s Rawsonville plant in Ypsilanti Township is part of Ford’s plan to invest $450 million in Michigan for the development and construction of electric and plug-in electric cars and batteries.  This could lead to 1,000 new jobs by 2012 in the state.
• Sakti3 – Thanks to a 10-year, $2.3 million dollar tax break from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in 2008, this developer of the next-generation of lithium-ion battery manufacturing technology is on its way to creating 112 new jobs at its Michigan headquarters.
•  

The University of Michigan is also receiving funds for a workforce training program that will train many of the workers in these new facilities.
 

Other Advanced Battery Manufacturers in Michigan receiving ARRA funds:Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS) - received $299 million for Holland facility
 

• Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS) - received $299 million for Holland facility
• KD Advanced Battery Group, a joint venture of The Dow Chemical Company, Kokam America, Inc and Townsend Ventures LLC - received $161 million for Midland facility.  Vice President Biden attended the groundbreaking of this plant last month
• LG Chem-Compact Power – received $151 million for locations in St. Clair, Pontiac and Holland
•  

In all, ARRA funds are helping support 14 different projects related to electric battery manufacturing in Michigan.