EnerSys Targets $199 Million DOE Grant for Lithium Production

Author: Ryan Hughes Updated: 09-20-2024 08:52 AM

EnerSys Aims for Substantial DOE Grant for Lithium-Ion Factory

EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), a prominent provider of industrial energy storage solutions, is in advanced negotiations to secure a remarkable $199 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This funding is essential for the construction of a cutting-edge lithium-ion cell production facility in Greenville, South Carolina. With the backdrop of the $62 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this initiative aims to enhance the U.S. battery materials processing sector and promote domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Investment Plans and Job Creation

The company plans an impressive investment of approximately $615 million over the next four years aimed at building and commissioning the new facility. Anticipated to cover a substantial 500,000 square feet, this factory is designed to manufacture a diverse range of lithium-ion cell forms suitable for commercial, industrial, and defense applications. The initial production capacity is projected to reach five gigawatt hours (GWh) per year, creating up to 500 new jobs in the region.

Incentives and Strategic Partnerships

This ambitious project is being reinforced with a $200 million incentive package from South Carolina and Greenville County, announced earlier in the year, which includes a mix of both short-term and long-term incentives. Furthermore, EnerSys has committed an additional $50 million towards a specialized production line tailored to meet the U.S. Department of Defense's requirements for domestically produced batteries.

Leadership Support and Vision

EnerSys President & CEO David M. Shaffer expressed strong confidence in the potential of this factory to yield a significant return on investment and to substantially contribute to the company's long-term growth objectives. This facility will not only support a wide range of EnerSys products, which include fast charge and storage systems, NexSys® iON batteries aimed at electric forklifts, but will also enhance offerings like Alpha® XRT-Li extended runtime power systems.

Project Timeline and Future Prospects

Construction of the new facility is slated to commence in 2025, with the expectation of commercial operations kicking off by 2028. EnerSys is set to further articulate its gigafactory development and lithium-ion technology strategy during a webcast scheduled for late September. The advancement is poised to create a robust, U.S.-based supply chain as well as the manufacturing scale needed to fulfill the rising demand for locally sourced batteries.

Recent Financial Performance

In related news, EnerSys has reported strong financial performance, achieving a revenue target of $911 million and surpassing earnings expectations with $2.08 per share for the last quarter of fiscal 2024. The company has also declared a 7% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, raising it to $0.24 per share. This impressive performance has attracted attention, including a recent Buy rating initiated by Roth/MKM, which highlights confidence in EnerSys’s potential within the energy transition space and its capacity to tackle complex power challenges.

Strategic Moves for Future Growth

Adding to its strategic initiatives, EnerSys has acquired Bren-Tronics to enhance its defense sector applications and broaden its lithium product portfolio. Recent shareholder meetings resulted in the election of new board members, including David C. Habiger, Lauren Knausenberger, and Tamara Morytko, alongside the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as the registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2025.

Guidance for Upcoming Fiscal Year

Looking ahead, EnerSys has outlined guidance for both the first quarter and the full fiscal year 2025, estimating net sales between $860 million and $900 million for Q1, with projections ranging from $3.675 billion to $3.825 billion for the entire year. The anticipated adjusted diluted earnings per share are expected to be between $1.93 to $2.03 for Q1, and from $8.55 to $8.95 for the full fiscal year. Despite facing supply chain challenges, EnerSys maintains optimism in its strategic roadmap and commitment to delivering long-term shareholder value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EnerSys's main objective with the new facility?

EnerSys aims to enhance its lithium-ion cell production capabilities to meet growing demands and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

How much is EnerSys investing in the new factory?

The total investment planned by EnerSys for the new facility is approximately $615 million.

When is the expected start date for commercial operations?

Commercial operations at the new facility are projected to begin in 2028.

What impact will the new factory have on job creation?

The construction of the factory is expected to create around 500 new jobs in the Greenville area.

What products will be produced at the new plant?

The facility will manufacture diverse lithium-ion cell forms for various sectors, including defense, commercial, and industrial applications.

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