Across the state another volley is served for progressive and "geen-based" small business. Michigan's battery industry - particularly in relation to automotive - is growing. This is a boon in so many ways.
- Jobs. We need them. The more the better. Particularly in an industry that is so transitional from an automotive perspective, as well as complimentary to our existing and future auto industry.
- Diversity. Battery production may not be that much of a stretch from purely automotive, but it does bring a layer to our existing infrastructure.
- Skills. Most of these jobs are skilled. Plenty require advanced degrees (like Engineering).
- Smaller job sites. How is this a boon? If a plant operating with 40 people closes its doors the community impact is much less than a plant with 4,000 workers and their families. While either is harmful and devastating, there is an obvious difference community-wide.
With a single exception, all of the companies listed at the bottom of this article have a much smaller footprint. Most are well under 100 employees and the facilities are dwarfed by a standard automotive plant.
The big questions that are waiting to be answered are what will the demand be and will more battery facilities be needed?
How is any of this a sustainability issue? Stability and sustainability work together. Community and neighborhoods are vital to sustainability. So are solid green jobs that contribute to the ecological stability of an area. Without these elements, sustainability is not possible because people have no foundation to base it on.
Read more in the January 22, 2011 Detroit Free Press article "Battery opportunities coming" by Greg Garnder
Looking for information about Michigan battery companies or maybe even a green job? Here is a list and a link to get you started.
- A123 Systems - Livonia, Romulus, Ann Arbor
- ALTe - Auburn Hills
- Azure Dynamics - Oak Park. Also see Orders for Azure Dynamics' electric/hybrid vans roll in, jobs follow
- Dow Kokam - Midland
- Eaton Corporation - Galesburg
- fortu Powercell - Muskegon
- General Motors battery pack assembly - Brownstown Township
- Johnson Controls Saft - Holland
- LG Chem - Holland
- Magna International - Troy, Holly
- Sakti3 - Ann Arbor
- SB LiMotive - Orion Township
- Techno SemiChem Co - Northville
- Toda America - Battle Creek
- Xtreme Power - Wixom
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