Forge Nano to Launch U.S Battery Manufacturing Business; North Carolina Gigafactory Planned for 2026
Forge Nano, Inc., a prominent materials science company specializing in atomic-level surface engineering to enhance product performance, announced today its intention to launch Forge Battery, a venture dedicated to manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. The newly established company aims to produce cutting-edge, high-energy, and high-power lithium-ion battery cells tailored for defense, aerospace, and specialized electric vehicle markets.
This production will take place at a newly constructed Gigafactory in Raleigh, North Carolina, leveraging a U.S-focused battery material supply chain to strengthen the domestic battery ecosystem and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
In collaboration with external investors, the company plans to make an initial investment exceeding $165 million in Morrisville, North Carolina, to establish a gigawatt hour-scale battery manufacturing facility. The Forge Battery facility is anticipated to manufacture both 21700 and 18650 lithium-ion cells utilizing materials coated with Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor surface technology.
The implementation of Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor is expected to enable Forge Battery to create first-generation high-energy cells with an anticipated energy density of 300 Wh/kg, offering improved safety and extended lifespan that rivals or surpasses the performance of existing lithium-ion technologies.
Due to the capacity of Atomic Armor to enhance both current and next-generation battery technologies, Forge Battery anticipates that its cell technology will surpass the capabilities of current and future cell chemistries.
Atomic Armor is also employed to enhance production efficiency and reduce cell costs by eliminating electrolyte additives and minimizing electrolyte consumption. Production at the facility is slated to commence in 2026.
Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano, expressed, “Lithium-ion cells utilizing Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor technology have exceeded our customer’s expectations, and in turn, increased demand for the technology that outstrips the current manufacturing capabilities.”
Lichty added, “We are extremely excited to launch Forge Battery in the Battery Belt, where we intend to produce batteries for the world’s most demanding applications, while showcasing the power of Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor coating equipment in a large-scale manufacturing environment.”
To facilitate Forge Battery’s North Carolina facility, a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) has been approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. The JDIG agreement permits potential reimbursement of up to $1,525,500 over 12 years. Additionally, Forge Battery anticipates receiving an extra $6,500,000 from the state of North Carolina based on current investment projections, which include sales tax exemptions on planned capital investment.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper remarked, “North Carolina’s growing leadership in clean energy can be seen everywhere you look, and Forge Battery’s decision continues our momentum. New jobs, new investment, and new opportunities for our people are coming fast as we embrace this vital new sector of the global economy.”
The Forge Battery facility is poised to generate hundreds of high-paying jobs for Wake County residents, contributing over $16 million annually to the payroll impact. Through the JDIG agreement, new tax revenue generated by Forge Battery’s operation will be directed towards assisting economically challenged communities throughout the state.
A groundbreaking event for Forge Battery is in the planning stages, with an anticipated date in the first half of 2024.
