East Lake Norman News

Forge Nano's new $165 million investment in a battery manufacturing plant in Morrisville has propelled North Carolina to become a steady state for the manufacturing world. This investment occurred as part of Governor Roy Cooper's mission for North Carolina to lead the way in the future of clean energy.

Let's start by looking at Forge Nano's recent announcement and its implications. Forge Nano, Inc., a prominent materials science firm specializing in atomic-level surface engineering for optimal product performance, announced today its intention to launch Forge Battery, a lithium-ion battery manufacturing enterprise, according to an article by WDRB. The newly established company aims to manufacture top-tier high-energy and high-power lithium-ion battery cells tailored for defense, aerospace, and specialty electric vehicle markets. The production will take place at a newly constructed Gigafactory in Raleigh, North Carolina. Forge Battery plans to enhance the domestic battery ecosystem by employing a U.S.-focused battery material supply chain, thereby reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The company, in collaboration with external investors, anticipates an initial investment exceeding $165 million in Morrisville, North Carolina, to construct a gigawatt hour-scale battery manufacturing facility.

Next we turn our focus on the unique technology that enables Forge Battery's bold ambitions. Forge Battery, utilizing Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor, is poised to manufacture first-generation high-energy cells projecting an expected energy density of 300 Wh/kg, according too an article by WDRB. These cells offer enhanced safety features and extended lifespan, surpassing or matching the performance of existing lithium-ion technologies. Given Atomic Armor's capability to boost the performance of both current and upcoming battery technologies, Forge Battery anticipates its cell technology to outperform present and future cell chemistries. The application of Atomic Armor extends beyond performance enhancement; it is employed to improve production efficiency and reduce cell costs by eliminating electrolyte additives and minimizing electrolyte consumption. Production at the facility is slated to commence in 2026. Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano, commented, "Lithium-ion cells incorporating Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor technology have not only met but exceeded our customers' expectations, leading to a surge in demand that surpasses current manufacturing capacities. We are thrilled to launch Forge Battery in the Battery Belt, aiming to manufacture batteries for the world's most demanding applications while showcasing the prowess of Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor coating equipment in a large-scale manufacturing setting."

Lastly, let's look at where this transformational project will take place. In a recent news release, the company announced its selection of CaMP Morrisville, situated at 401 Southport Dr., as the location for its new operation. CaMP Morrisville stands as a purpose-built cGMP facility, specifically designed to support life science and advanced manufacturing operations, according to an article by ABC 11. The growth of Morrisville gained recognition in an April 2023 ABC11 Boomtowns segment. The town, boasting a population of over 31,000, has not only earned a spot in WalletHub's 2023 top ten small cities to start a business but has also evolved into a hub for life sciences. Notably, two biomanufacturing facilities are taking shape on both sides of a section of McCrimmon Parkway. In an interview with ABC11 in April, Mayor TJ Cawley emphasized Morrisville's appeal for businesses, stating "I heard at a conference that the reason we are a good place to do business is because we're a great place to live and that's what we're going for first. We have Pathways, we have Spark and another one Discovery at Watkins Road and these are life sciences that are coming into the area because we have such a great workforce."