July 9, 2009
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm returned from a 48-hour investment mission to Germany and Belgium with news that fortu PowerCell will soon begin a search for a west Michigan location, pending approval of state and local incentives, for a battery pack manufacturing facility. Granholm met with fortu company leaders, along with other business executives who are looking to expand their presence in the United States or are seeking international investment opportunities.
"There is no better place in North America than Michigan for an international battery-cell company to expand its global reach," Granholm said. "We look forward to partnering with fortu as part of our strategic plan to become the advanced battery capital of the world and diversify Michigan's economy."
fortu was founded in 1997 to concentrate on battery technology characterized by its high energy per unit of weight, long operational life, and avoidance of environmental concerns relative to its manufacture and disposal. The company has identified several potential market areas, including vehicle, battery back-up systems for cell phone transmitters, power-generation plants and niche recreational vehicles.
While in Belgium, Granholm met with Hansen Transmissions, the world's second-largest producer of wind energy gearboxes, to pitch Michigan as a possible location for the company's service and repair facility.
Granholm's previous investment missions to Germany, Austria, Japan, Sweden, and the Middle East resulted in 45 companies announcing over $955.8 million in new investment and nearly 11,000 jobs created and retained. Officials from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and NextEnergy also accompanied Granholm on the mission.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: "fortu PowerCell" is the correct treatment of the German battery company's corporate name, fortu PowerCell GmbH.
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