Downriver Today

A cutting-edge battery manufacturer recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new headquarters.

Federal, state and local leaders were on hand as Our Next Energy (ONE) provided a tour of battery products that will be manufactured at the company’s new $1.6 billion campus in Van Buren Township, a recent press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office said.

“Novi is a dynamic community on many fronts, from a magnet to businesses around the globe to being a sought after, welcoming, diverse neighborhood that more than 65,000 residents call home,” City of Novi Mayor Bob Gatt said in the release. “It provides great excitement to watch one of our own have the opportunity to expand right here in Michigan and I couldn’t be happier for Our Next Energy. Once again, Novi shines as a leader in the business world as the host of their headquarters and to watch their vision and factory come to fruition in Wayne County shows how our community and the state work as a team, support one another and work together for the betterment of all.”

The development of the battery manufacturing campus is expected to spur 2,112 jobs. 

“Michigan offers an exceptional talent pool and ideal location to collaborate with customers and suppliers as we advance towards US based cell manufacturing,” Mujeeb Ijaz, founder and CEO of ONE, said in the release. “Our Novi headquarters play a critical role in building our future here in Michigan.” 

Whiter noted that she hopes to continue to work to facilitate well-paying jobs that will help keep the future of the auto industry within the state. 

“Our Next Energy’s battery cell manufacturing campus strengthens Southeast Michigan’s role as a leader in the next generation of automotive technology,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said in the release. “Investing in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected cars will help us maintain our title as the automotive capital of the world.”