RAPID CITY, S.D. – A nickel-zinc battery manufacturer has selected Rapid City for a new location with plans to hire up to 400 employees and invest $250 million dollars in the first five years, with the potential to expand to up to 1,250 jobs.
Æsir Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in Joplin, MO. Rapid City will service as the location for a new gigafactory, beating out more than 20 cities in the selection process including Bozeman, San Antonio, Tucson, Tulsa, and Charlotte. The factory will be built out by Dream Design on the south side of town, between Old Folsom Road and Highway 79.
“The batteries produced in this factory are intended to service the data center and 5G network markets, providing necessary backup power to prevent data loss or service interruption during power outages,” reads an Elevate Rapid City news release.
The company intends to produce nearly 2 billion watt hours of batteries a year in Rapid City. Future plans aim to quadruple capacity for both output and staff to 8 billion watt hours and 1,250 jobs.
According to Elevate Rapid City, quality of life, a hard working and loyal workforce, access to decision makers, and a business friendly climate were key deciding factors in selecting Rapid City.
“This level of hi-tech manufacturing Æsir is bringing will forever change the economic landscape of our region,” said Matt Brunner, Economic Development Director of Elevate Rapid City. “The jobs created here will encourage continued growth and innovation as complementary businesses come alongside their one-of-a-kind product. Æsir’s commitment to the region embodies what it means to elevate the region for all.”
Æsir’s batteries are produced under non-exclusive license to use ZAF Energy Systems, Inc. intellectual property. The license includes provision for Æsir to service the aerospace, defense, medical, and critical infrastructure markets.
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