Greek Battery Manufacturer to Invest $6.5 Million in Guilford County for their First North American Operation | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH: Sunlight Batteries USA, an industrial battery manufacturer, member of the Greek multinational Group Olympia, will create 46 jobs in Guilford County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $6.5 million in machinery and infrastructure to establish their first North American assembly and distribution facilities in Greensboro.

    "Global manufacturers like Sunlight batteries see great potential in North Carolina, from our location to our highly skilled workforce" said Governor Cooper.

    Headquartered in Greece, Systems Sunlight, the parent company of Sunlight Batteries USA, has been specializing in energy storage and industrial batteries manufacturing since 1991. In its third decade of sustained growth, the company today ranks among the world's leading batteries manufacturers for traction, standby and defense applications, offering innovative solutions based on lead and lithium technology. Sunlight operates three state-of-the-art production facilities in Greece and Italy, implementing best practices in manufacturing, health and safety. With 93% of its production is channeled abroad, Sunlight exports to more than 100 countries in all continents. Sunlight Batteries will assemble and distribute lead and lithium batteries at the Greensboro facility.

    "The establishment of Sunlight in the US market is a significant milestone to our growth plan," said Robby Bourlas, Chief Executive Officer of Sunlight Batteries. "With the launch of Sunlight Batteries USA, we create our largest assembly hub and a strategic geographic presence in a market we have been exporting to for the last six years. This proximity will allow us to offer our highest quality products along with the best possible delivery times in order to better serve the demanding needs of the US market. Our total investment of $6.5 million over the next three years is a starting point to support our organic growth but we are also evaluating other strategic investment opportunities."

    "North Carolina has the fifth largest manufacturing economy in the nation," said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. "With the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and our transportation infrastructure, international companies like Sunlight Batteries will be very successful here."

    The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state's support for the company's decision.

    Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average for all new positions could reach up to $47,978. The current average annual wage in Guilford County is $47,955.

    A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Sunlight Batteries' operation in Guilford County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

    "Sunlight Batteries is a welcome addition to Greensboro," said N.C. Senator Rick Gunn. "We are glad they have chosen our community for their first North American operations and are ready to support their expansion."

    "This is exciting news," said N.C. Representative Jon Hardister. "Sunlight Batteries' investment and jobs are a great win for Guilford County and for the state of North Carolina."

    In addition to North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, City of Greensboro, Guildford County Economic Development Alliance, High Point Economic Development Corporation, and Duke Energy.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov