August 19, 2022: Texas governor Greg Abbot has welcomed East Penn Manufacturing’s $106 million capital investment boost for the state, with the opening on August 16 of the global battery firm’s new battery finishing and distribution center at its site in the city of Temple.
The Temple Economic Development Corporation, which offered $1.4 million in Texas Enterprise Fund grant funding for the initiative, said the project would also create nearly 300 new jobs in the city.
Lead batteries manufacturer East Penn unveiled plans for the 28,000m2 facility in November 2018, when it said the facility would bolster distribution operations in Texas, which it described as a strategic location to better reach customers in the south central US and other key points across North America.
Governor Abbott, who toured the new center with state and local leaders, praised East Penn for the economic impact the project would have on the region.
“As the global demand for batteries continues to grow, this new facility will further stimulate the booming economy in Texas and usher in greater opportunities to the people of central Texas.”
Abbott said East Penn’s expansion was “great news for Texas’s skilled workforce”. The company’s “strong family-oriented culture and dedication to the communities they serve complement the ‘made in Texas’ brand”.
Pictured: Abbott and East Penn CEO Chris Pruitt cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. Photo. Office of Governor Abbott
