State Funds will Help Construct Battery Technology and Manufacturing Facility Supporting the Domestic Innovation and Commercialization of Next-Generation Batteries
Green Energy Company Plans to Create up to 19 New Jobs at New Cheektowaga Plant
Empire State Development today announced Natrion, a producer of innovative battery components for electric vehicles, energy storage, and defense applications, has selected 575 Ludwig Avenue in Cheektowaga as the location for its new production facility. The start-up specializes in rechargeable lithium and sodium battery technology. The project supports the broader New Energy New York initiative, whose goal is to create a National Hub for Battery Innovation and Manufacturing.
"It is critical for New York State to play a leading role in the research and development of advanced, cutting-edge, and innovative energy technologies. The United States and the world are seeing unprecedented demand for safe and economic energy storage for electric vehicles and grid modernization, which must be sourced using the most resilient and sustainable supply chains,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “We are proud to welcome Natrion to New York's growing cluster of companies focused on the clean energy transition and reducing climate change.”
Natrion is a leading battery material pioneer developing the intellectual property and components needed to secure future clean energy goals. Started in 2018, the company produces Active Separator, an advanced solid-state electrolyte separator made from a material called Lithium Solid Ionic Composite (LISIC) that is designed to enhance the performance, safety, and lifespan of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The flagship Active Separator offering has received various industry awards for its innovative design as well as numerous Department of Defense contracts. While headquartered in Binghamton, New York, Natrion will be establishing its global manufacturing center in a new facility in Cheektowaga to increase Active Separator production capacity 40-fold. At full utilization, the new site is anticipated to be capable of supplying the equivalent of approximately 11,000 electric vehicles annually.
As a longstanding partner to the U.S. Department of Defense, Natrion has also secured capabilities to produce its Gen-1 Active Separator material entirely in the U.S. with only domestic materials. The company's supply chain is fully insulated from tariff interruptions, making it ideal for manufacturers seeking IRA-compliant American-made components.
Natrion CEO and founder Alex Kosyakov said, “We have already successfully initiated commercial-scale production at the Cheektowaga site and are making tremendous progress in getting the Cheektowaga site up and running at full operation throughout. Our team is immensely grateful for the level of support that has been brought to bear by NY State. We quickly understood that the wealth of innovation and manufacturing talent and resources available in Western NY made it the best place for us to locate and grow our production operations. Our aims now are to secure the US battery supply chain with on shored componentry and contribute to local workforce development and job creation.”
Empire State Development (ESD) is assisting the project with up to $250,000 through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program to support Natrion’s creation of 19 new jobs over the course of five years. Natrion also recently received a $1.5 million investment through New York Ventures as part of the company’s recent capital raise. ESD’s New York Ventures supports high-growth companies and fund partners by investing alongside private investors to use technology to solve critical challenges in areas of strategic interest and importance and to build a robust startup ecosystem across New York State.
Nation’s project is also supported by more than $1.3 million in New York Power Authority (NYPA) funding under its Western New York Power Proceeds program. The NYPA funding award is made possible through net earnings resulting from the sale of unused hydropower generated at the Niagara Power Project.
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Through a variety of economic development programs, NYPA is supporting businesses throughout the state that are pioneering innovative technology, sparking local investment, and creating jobs in local communities. Natrion’s new Cheektowaga facility, supported by more than $1.3 million in NYPA funding, reflects New York’s efforts to lead the nation in innovation and manufacturing, and is a welcome addition to Western New York’s business landscape.”
For more information please visit www.natrion.com.
Thomas Kucharski, President & CEO, Invest Buffalo Niagara said, ““Our role at Invest Buffalo Niagara is to connect the dots. For Natrion, that meant providing hands-on project management, identifying the right site, coordinating with utilities, and aligning available incentives. By working side by side with our state and regional partners, we ensured that this innovative company had every reason to choose Buffalo Niagara. Together, we’re building on our region’s manufacturing legacy while creating new opportunities for growth in next-generation technologies.”
Senator April N. M. Baskin said, "As technology and energy demand evolves in rapid fashion, the Excelsior Tax Jobs Credit Program and New York Ventures recognized the potential that companies like Natrion can bring to the public good, including the creation of jobs at a potential Hub here in Western New York. This investment is exactly the type of business that will further our status as a region that was once viewed as blue-collar and is now shifting significantly to high-tech and cutting-edge industries with a workforce that continues to meet the challenge."
Assemblymember Patrick J. Chludzinski said, “We are thrilled that Natrion has chosen the Town of Cheektowaga as the site for their new production facility, and I want to thank CEO and founder Alex Kosyakov for his trust and investment in our community. The creation of 19 new high-tech manufacturing jobs in emerging technologies is a welcome addition to our local economy and the energy industry here in Western New York. I am pleased to welcome Natrion to our community and look forward to working with them to ensure their long-term success in Cheektowaga.”
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “Clean energy powers the future and it’s here today in Erie County, with Natrion selecting Cheektowaga as the site for their next expansion. Not only will this bring new jobs and new investment locally, it further underscores Erie County’s growing reputation as a good site for clean energy technology. This $6 million project will establish Natrion’s global manufacturing center right here, and the future looks very bright.”
Cheektowaga Supervisor Brian Nowak said, “This new facility is a welcome addition to the Town of Cheektowaga. Natrion and their supporting partners are doing important work and it’s great that Cheektowaga can be a part of their story.”
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Pamm Lent (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313
Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313