NanoGraf, an advanced silicon anode battery material company enabling stronger, lighter, and longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries, has been awarded a $60-million grant from the US Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) to retrofit an existing manufacturing facility in Flint, Michigan. At full capacity, the advanced production facility will produce 2,500 tons per year of NanoGraf’s proprietary silicon anode material—enough material to supply 1.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) per year.

The combined $175-million investment, with additional funds coming from NanoGraf, will create one of the world’s largest silicon anode facilities, significantly advancing US efforts to onshore the battery supply chain and enhancing the performance of domestically made lithium-ion batteries.

The Flint factory is NanoGraf’s third battery material production facility and increases the company’s total manufacturing footprint to over 414,000 square feet. NanoGraf currently produces silicon anode material for the US military out of two Chicago-based manufacturing facilities, including a new R&D facility at 455 N Ashland Avenue and its headquarters at 400 N Noble Street. Of note, NanoGraf recently announced it was supplying batteries to Thales Defense & Security Inc. for the handsets used by soldiers in the field.

The project will create approximately 200 construction jobs through a project labor agreement with the North American Building Trades Union. Up to 150 new permanent jobs will be created for operations, approximately 80% of which are expected to come directly from the local community. NanoGraf has signed a neutrality agreement with the United Steelworkers and is committed to partnering with them should a majority of employees wish to be represented by the union.

The company’s Michigan expansion will include the rollout of a community benefits program focused on workforce development, education, apprenticeships, and comprehensive benefits that reflect the needs of the community.

NanoGraf’s headquarters, military-focused production facilities, and R&D operations will remain in Chicago.