Syensqo Breaks Ground on New EV Material Facility in Augusta

ATLANTA – April 25, 2024 – Today, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) joined executive leadership from Syensqo, a global science leader in materials and chemical solutions, as well as local and state representatives in celebrating the start of construction on Syensqo’s new battery-grade PVDF manufacturing facility in Augusta.

“Georgia is developing an e-mobility supply chain that will position the state as a leader in this industry for years to come,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We’re excited for Syensqo to become a valued part of that ecosystem and the Augusta-Richmond County community.”

The new facility in Augusta will create approximately 100 new full-time, highly skilled, local manufacturing jobs in Richmond County. The facility’s products will support Georgia’s growing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ecosystem by providing material for more than 5 million EV batteries per year at full capacity and creating hundreds of jobs throughout the value chain.

Syensqo, born from the demerger of Solvay in December 2023 and now a standalone listed company, has a portfolio of market leading solutions that address electrification, lightweighting, advanced connectivity, resource efficiency, improving quality of life, and sustainable sourcing. The company’s U.S. headquarters in Alpharetta and its existing manufacturing facility in Augusta support more than 800 jobs in Georgia.

“Syensqo thanks the Georgia Department of Economic Development for their support as we expand our footprint in Augusta,” said Mike Finelli, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer and Chief North America Officer at Syensqo. “Their commitment enables us to create new jobs and reinforce the local economy, and underscores the strategic importance of Augusta as a key player in the EV supply chain along the burgeoning Battery Belt.”

Syensqo’s new facility at 3702 Clanton Road in Augusta will supply polyvinylidene fluoride, or PVDF, which is used as a lithium-ion binder and separator coating in electric vehicle batteries. The plant will be the largest PVDF production facility in North America.

The facility will be hiring mechanics, technicians, engineers, and more. Interested individuals can learn more about working at Syensqo at www.syensqo.com/en/career/job-opportunities. 

“Syensqo, previously a part of the Solvay Group, has been part of the Augusta community for more than two decades and has been a premier, quality employer for Augusta, Richmond County and the surrounding area,” said Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson. “We are excited about this expansion and the addition of quality jobs by the company that will serve the community for years to come. Thank you to all of our partners for helping to make this a reality.”

“Syensqo fits the community’s goal of creating well-paying, skilled manufacturing jobs and shows once again that Augusta-Richmond County is the right place for manufacturing to not only locate but to grow and expand,” said Augusta Economic Development Authority Chairman Wayne A. Gossage, Jr. “We are excited for another large expansion project and thank the leadership team locally at Syensqo for showing Corporate that Augusta is once again the best location for these jobs and sizeable investment.”

Senior Project Manager Adela Kelley represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Augusta Economic Development Authority, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia EMC.

“Companies are making once-in-a-generation investments to keep up with the electrification of the mobility industry, and we could not be more excited that Syensqo selected Georgia to build a critical piece of the EV supply chain,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia has been at the forefront of attracting e-mobility and battery investments thanks to the support of state leadership, led by Governor Brian Kemp. Congratulations to Syensqo, Augusta-Richmond County, and everyone who came together to make today possible.”

The Syensqo Augusta site is a proud partner of the Giving Your Best Award in conjunction with WJBF, Piedmont Hospital and Security Federal Bank, which recognizes those that give back to the community via volunteerism. Syensqo is also supporting higher education institutions in Georgia, including Augusta Tech, with workforce development projects.

In 2022, Syensqo opened its New Applications Development Lab at its R&I Center in Alpharetta to support customers in the EV, renewable energy and aerospace industries. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, high-ranking Belgian officials, and State of Georgia leadership. In the last four years, Syensqo has invested more than $30 million in the Alpharetta site.

Cayla Cardwell
Communications Manager
[email protected]