AESC Breaks Ground on Electric Vehicle Battery Factory in Florence County

Furthering its commitment to manufacturing next-generation batteries in the United States, accelerating the transformation to e-mobility.

AESC (the “Company”), a world-leading Japanese battery technology company, held a groundbreaking ceremony today on its new battery plant in Florence County, South Carolina. AESC U.S. Managing Director Jeff Deaton, along with local leaders including Governor Henry McMaster and Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey, attended the groundbreaking event on-site in Florence.

“Today, South Carolina is proud to celebrate AESC as the company embarks on a historic chapter in our state,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Florence County has been ripe for an investment of this magnitude — one that will transform local communities and create generational wealth for South Carolinians. The groundbreaking for AESC’s battery cell gigafactory is a landmark moment in the evolution of South Carolina’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry.”

With construction of the 1.5 million square foot plant underway, commercial operations are expected to commence in 2026, creating 1,170 new jobs for the local community.

“This groundbreaking marks another major milestone in AESC’s commitment to investing in South Carolina and manufacturing electric vehicle batteries,” said AESC U.S. Managing Director Jeff Deaton. “AESC continues to be a global leader in developing next generation EV battery technology, and we’re proud to be further growing our capacity to build those products in U.S. facilities, accelerating the transition to clean energy transportation.”

The new 30 GWh battery plant builds on AESC’s existing battery manufacturing network that includes a plant in operation in Tennessee and another plant under construction in Kentucky. Collectively, AESC’s U.S. plants upon completion will provide up to 70 GWh capacity annually, powering the shift to electric vehicles with U.S.-made batteries and components.

The AESC Florence site supports the Company’s multi-year partnership with BMW Group, announced in October 2022. Under the agreement, AESC will supply technology-leading battery cells for next generation electric vehicle models produced at BMW’s Spartanburg plant. The advanced battery format will result in 20% higher energy density than the current generation, with reduced charging time and increased range and efficiency of 30%.

Aligning with the Company’s global commitment to sustainability, the new manufacturing plant will be 100% powered by clean energy. Leveraging the net-zero solutions of its partners, AESC will implement renewable energy generation, carbon management and reduction software, and a battery recycling system to accelerate carbon neutrality throughout the entire battery value chain. AESC is also committed to pursuing responsible sources for its critical battery materials, providing full transparency into extraction methods. The Company increasingly relies on recycled materials, leading to an overall reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from cell production at the new plant.

Individuals interested in joining the AESC team in Florence should visit readySC’s recruitment website to explore opportunities. Companies interested in becoming a supplier for AESC should complete S.C. Commerce’s online interest form.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES

“AESC’s groundbreaking marks a tremendous milestone for the future of South Carolina’s economy and, specifically, electric vehicle industry. The company’s new gigafactory brings the world’s leading EV battery technology to our state, and with it, the long-term career, and educational opportunities paramount for Florence County to develop, attract and retain top talent. We congratulate AESC and look forward to supporting the company’s continued success.”

- Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“AESC’s groundbreaking marks a historic day for Florence County and its residents, as it will bring an abundance of high paying jobs to our community. We know AESC will be a vital and active partner in the County for decades to come.”

- Willard Dorriety, Chairman Florence County Council

“AESC’s significant investment in our community will offer unique career opportunities for our citizens and economic growth to our local community. We are honored to participate in today’s groundbreaking and look forward to working with our community members and stakeholders to ensure AESC’s success here in Florence.”

- Florence Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin

“We are ecstatic about AESC’s decision to locate in Florence County and are honored to be celebrating this groundbreaking today alongside the community leaders whose collaboration made this project possible.”

- Rocky Pearce, Chairman Florence County Economic Development Partnership

" What an exciting day for Florence County and all of the NESA region. We applaud the efforts of all those involved in securing this location for our area. We welcome AESC to our manufacturing community and look forward to the positive impact that they will make within our region."

- Yancey McGill, Chairman North Eastern Strategic Alliance

About AESC

AESC (formerly Envision AESC) is a Japan-headquartered global battery technology company dedicated to the research, development, design, manufacturing, and sale of power batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. AESC has over 5,000 employees and 13 manufacturing sites across Japan, the U.S., the U.K., France, Spain, and China.

Over the past 13 years, AESC has produced power batteries for more than 800,000 EVs across 59 countries, achieving a flawless record of 'zero critical incidents.' AESC teams strive for continuous improvement and global leadership in product development, quality, and sustainability. In 2022, AESC was again named among 'Global Tier 1 Battery Companies' by Benchmark, a leading UK-based lithium-ion battery supply chain research organization.

About Florence County Economic Development

Since 1999, Florence County Economic Development Partnership has served as the public-private entity that works to recruit new business and industry to Florence County, South Carolina, while also helping existing industries grow and expand. Florence County Progress, the private sector arm of Florence County Economic Development Partnership works to promote, implement and support activities designed to improve economic development within Florence County. To learn more visit fcedp.com.

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