International Battery launches new product: Ag3 Battery

Tag：Ag3 Battery

International Battery christened its Lehigh Valley plant Thursday, part of an expansion expected to bring 250 jobs and potential relocation of the New Jersey-based company's headquarters.

 International Battery makes lithium-based rechargeable systems and related batteries for industrial and military use. Its products are used in hybrid and electric vehicles, among other things.

With the soaring price of gas, the company believes it is serving a key market.

"The American people are begging us for alternative energy sources," sad Thomas Schwartz, a retired Army general and member of the company's board of directors.

Employees, customers from Europe and Asia, and state and local officials attended the ceremony Thursday on Snowdrift Road.

The local plant at Iron Run Industrial Park is part of an approximately $10 million investment, said Phil Charatz, president and chief operating officer.

International Battery explored other locations in New Jersey and Florida before settling on the Lehigh Valley. Lower cost of operations, an attractive work force, and quality of life were cited as reasons for landing here.

The company employs about 50 people now. It plans to expand to 250 within three years or so, Charatz said.

International Battery remains headquartered in Oakland, N.J, but Charatz said he expects the company to move here. The timeframe is uncertain, but Charatz said the company has five years left on its lease in New Jersey.