Navitas Systems Announces Expansion of its Advance

WOODRIDGE, Ill., Oct. 23, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navitas Systems LLC ( www.navitassys.com ), a leading provider of energy-enabled system solutions, energy storage products, and power electronics for commercial, industrial and government agency customers, announced that it is expanding its operations and relocating to a new facility in Michigan's Pittsfield Charter Township, and has committed to make a capital investment of up to $9.3 million and create 125 jobs related to storage battery manufacturing. As a result, Navitas Systems is being awarded a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Pittsfield Township has additionally offered support to the project in the form of a property tax abatement.

"As someone who was born and educated in this state, I'm delighted to commit ourselves to grow our Navitas Advanced Solutions Group here in Michigan, expanding our facilities and R &D equipment and growing the team of Navitas associates," said Navitas Systems CEO Nancie ElShafei.

"Navitas Systems' new advanced battery facility in Pittsfield Township will help diversify Michigan's economy and provide good, high paying jobs for years to come," said Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Michael A. Finney. "The company's decision to invest in Michigan is a strong statement about the great opportunities that, thanks to our business climate improvements, Michigan now offers to growing companies."

"My team here is excited to be moving into a newer, more expansive facility to carry out our important research and development activities for government and commercial energy storage and power electronics customers," said Les Alexander, Navitas Advanced Solutions Group (ASG) General Manager. The new Navitas ASG building is located at 4880 Venture Drive in Pittsfield Township. "We'll soon be in a state-of-the-art building to house the finest in R &D equipment utilized by our world-class scientific and engineering teams—all of the major pieces will shortly be in place," Alexander concluded.

"Navitas is a key player in Ann Arbor's alternative energy sector and Ann Arbor SPARK has been a strong advocate for the company at both the regional and state level, providing support for the incentives that it needs to continue to grow here," said Ann Arbor SPARK president and CEO Paul Krutko. "It's exciting that Navitas will invest in the Ann Arbor region, hire more researchers and engineers here, and continue to be part of the region's solid economic foundation."

About Navitas Systems, LLC

Navitas Systems is a leader in integrated design, technology development and manufacturing, providing energy-enabled system solutions, energy storage products, and power electronics for commercial, industrial and government agency customers. Navitas products range from customized energy storage solutions for motive, idle-reduction and defense related applications, along with custom renewable energy integrated power systems to standard products like lithium based lead-acid replacement batteries. Navitas is driven by a passion for bridging the gap between customer challenges and environmentally and financially sustainable solutions.

Navitas Systems is a woman-owned small business founded in 2010 and previously known as MicroSun Innovative Energy Storage Solutions. Navitas is headquartered in a state-of-the-art 100,000 square foot facility in Woodridge, Illinois. Earlier this year, the company acquired the Government Solutions Group of lithium battery manufacturer A123 Systems. With this acquired major research facility located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, along with strong local and offshore partners and solid financial stability, Navitas is well positioned to continue serving the energy products and power electronics needs of major worldwide customers.
From advanced R &D, safe/high energy cell design, in-house electronics manufacturing and cable assemblies, to sophisticated battery pack assembly, Navitas Systems is your one-stop shop for comprehensive energy and power electronics solutions. For more information visit www.navitassys.com and follow @Navitas_Systems on Twitter.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership serving as the state's marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, tourism, film and digital incentives, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth. MEDC offers a number of business assistance services and capital programs for business attraction and acceleration, economic gardening, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, talent enhancement and urban and community development. MEDC, founded in 1999, also developed and manages the state's popular Pure Michigan brand.

About Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, Washtenaw County etcs/Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org .

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Katelyn Ciaccio 734-205-1427