Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Aspen Aerogels (NYSE: ASPN) (“Aspen,” the “Company”), a technology leader in aerogel-based sustainability and electrification solutions, plans to construct an advanced manufacturing facility at Bulloch County’s Southern Gateway Commerce Park. Aspen intends to invest a minimum of $325 million and to create more than 250 advanced manufacturing jobs at their new site near Statesboro, where production is expected to begin in late 2023.
“Aspen Aerogels has put their confidence in Georgia, our people, and the growing electric mobility sector in our state, and we are excited to add this American company to our rapidly expanding EV portfolio,” said Governor Kemp. “Every day, we are utilizing our many assets to bring jobs to hardworking Georgians in every corner of the Peach State, and this is just the latest to come to Bulloch County and southeast Georgia.”
Combined with Aspen’s original East Providence, Rhode Island plant, the planned state-of-the-art facility in Georgia is designed to triple Aspen’s nameplate aerogel capacity in support of the Company’s thermal barrier expansion plans in the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Through the project, Aspen is seeking to capitalize on increased demand for Aspen’s Aerogel Technology Platform™ as EV OEMs continue to adopt its PyroThin® aerogel thermal barrier solutions.
“We are pleased to be in the State of Georgia for the siting, development, and construction of our PyroThin materials plant,” noted Don Young, President and CEO of Aspen. “The City of Statesboro and the Bulloch County region offer Aspen a superior combination of operating features, including access to efficient ports; a strong, available workforce; and secure, low-cost utilities and critical raw materials. We are increasingly being asked to provide broader solutions for improved battery performance and safety centered on our PyroThin materials that provide thermal management, mechanical stability, and fire protection properties to EV battery systems.”
500,000-square-foot Plant - 250 jobs
Aspen plans to build a 500,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility situated on a 90-acre parcel in the Southern Gateway Commerce Park in Bulloch County. Southern Gateway is at the intersection of I-16 and Highway 301 South.
The Company plans to begin hiring personnel in the second half of 2022 across a number of disciplines, ranging from skilled manufacturing operators to advanced process engineers, as well as quality and maintenance technicians and professional support. Individuals interested in employment opportunities with Aspen Aerogels are encouraged to visit www.aerogel.com for additional information.
Assistant Director Alyce Thornhill represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce division on this project in partnership with the Development Authority of Bulloch County, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia EMC.
“It’s a thrilling day to be able to welcome Aspen Aerogels’ innovative, sustainable solutions for the electric vehicle and energy storage markets to Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “We look forward to having Georgia employees collaborating with Aspen’s network of world-class scientists, engineers, and additional skilled workforce to solve the challenges of our changing mobility landscape. On behalf of the Department, we also extend our thanks to our partners in Bulloch County for their partnership on this project and send our hearty congratulations on bringing this exciting company to the community.”
Southern Gateway Commerce Park is a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Certified park. To earn a GRAD program certification, a property must undergo due diligence and complete specific certification requirements prior to a visit by a prospective business. Completing the GRAD certification program with the Georgia Department of Economic Development is a proactive way both community planners and landowners can help catalyze economic growth and industrial development for the regions they serve.
Bulloch Leaders Respond
“On behalf of the Development Authority of Bulloch County, we are proud to welcome Aspen Aerogels to the Statesboro-Bulloch County community and our region,” said Billy Allen, Vice Chair of the Development Authority. “Along with our great site and logistics advantages, we believe that Aspen’s decision to locate here is a testament to our region’s commitment to innovation, particularly in the electric mobility ecosystem. We are confident that our tremendous education resources, including Georgia Southern University and Ogeechee Technical College, will provide critical support to help Aspen flourish.”
"Aspen Aerogels commitment to investing more than $325 million into a new facility right here in Bulloch County would not be possible without the dedication and foresight of our leadership at the state, county, and municipal level," said Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar. "This project is exactly the type of development that our community needs to support our local workforce and move us forward as a diverse and progressive regional hub. The new facility will create 250 jobs with competitive pay and benefits and will have a substantial economic impact for the region. I would like to personally welcome Aspen Airgel to our community and thank them for choosing to invest in Statesboro and Bulloch County."
“Bulloch County greatly appreciates Aspen’s investment in our community. Job creation and capital investment is one of our highest priorities,” says Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Chairman Roy Thompson. “Their new facility will provide new high-quality jobs and spin-off opportunities to our residents and the region. I would like to commend the partnership of local and state agencies who have worked tirelessly to attract Aspen Aerogels to Bulloch County.”
“Aspen’s location decision is a great moment for our community, and a great tribute to so many who worked to make this happen. We’re looking forward to celebrating this decision, and to supporting Aspen’s construction and hiring over the next several months as they move toward production in late 2023," said Benjy Thompson, CEO, Development Authority of Bulloch County.
About Aspen Aerogels
Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability. The Company’s aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, electrification and sustainability.
Aspen’s PyroThin® thermal barrier products enable solutions to thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle and energy storage markets. The Company’s carbon aerogel program seeks to increase the performance of lithium-ion battery cells to enable EV manufacturers to extend the driving range and reduce the cost of electric vehicles.
Aspen’s Spaceloft® sustainable building materials provide industry-leading energy efficiency and fire safety to building owners. The Company’s Cryogel® and Pyrogel® products are valued by the world’s largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen’s strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform™ into additional high-value markets.
Headquartered in Northborough, MA, Aspen manufactures its products at its East Providence, R.I. facilities. For more information, please visit www.aerogel.com.
