Unifrax to Build New Carlisle Manufacturing Line
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowNew York-based Unifrax, a global manufacturer of high-performance specialty materials, is planning to build its first large-scale manufacturing line for its proprietary silicone anode battery technology in New Carlisle. The company says the new line could add up to 74 jobs by the end of 2023.
According to Unifrax, silicone fiber anode material, or SiFAB, provides greater energy density in lithium-ion batteries and is expected to provide faster charges and longer battery life for electric vehicles, portable electronics, and power tools, among others. Unifrax says the New Carlisle plant will be the first to begin building SiFAB long-term manufacturing capacity.
“SiFAB is the latest development using fiber-based technology to create step change value for customers. This transformational material represents another addition to our robust electric vehicle and battery solutions portfolio,” said John Dandolph, president of Unifrax. “Unifrax is a large, global manufacturing company introducing game changing advanced silicon anode materials that can be used in existing manufacturing processes. Our track record and proven ability to develop new and unique technologies will help transform the battery industry with SiFAB. The ability to leverage our existing facility and add new infrastructure to support SiFAB manufacturing in New Carlisle will significantly accelerate the timeline for supplying this critical material to our partners.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Unifrax up to $1.1 million in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. The company says St. Joseph County has also confirmed $775,000 in county tax incentives.
“Indiana is a leader in manufacturing, with the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in the nation supported by 9,000 facilities across the state,” said Jim Staton, interim secretary of commerce for the state of Indiana. “As new trends and technologies change the state of today’s manufacturing industry, Indiana is focused on partnering with forward-thinking companies like Unifrax to propel long-term growth in manufacturing and create quality career opportunities for Hoosiers.”
Financial details of the plan were not disclosed.