LINWOOD, N.C. — Tokyo-based Dai Nippon Printing Co. (DNP) has announced plans to develop a $233 million manufacturing facility in Linwood, approximately midway between Charlotte and Greensboro. The development will produce battery pouches that encase and protect lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
While further details on the building itself were not disclosed, DNP plans to complete the project by 2026. The factory will be the company’s first advanced manufacturing facility in the U.S. DNP hopes to expand the facility in the coming years to also manufacture jumbo rolls, which are another type of casing for lithium-ion batteries.
The project is facilitated in part by a recently approved Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) from North Carolina’s Economic Investment Committee, the state’s department of commerce leads. The department estimates the project will grow North Carolina’s economy by $691 million over the course of the grant’s 12-year term. Through the agreement, DNP can potentially be reimbursed $2.7 million by the state over the grant’s term, dependent upon tax revenues generated by new jobs created by the development.
“From the east to the west, North Carolina’s electric vehicle industry is growing exponentially,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Our natural resources and our reputation for highly skilled talent and strong transportation infrastructure continue to attract global leaders — like DNP — that share our commitment to sustainability.”
Additional partners in the development include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Community College System, Davidson-Davie Community College, Golden LEAF Foundation, Davidson County, the Davidson County Economic Development Commission and the City of Linwood.
Founded in 1876, DNP is one of the world’s leading printing companies. Alongside pouches for lithium-ion batteries, the company has developed and produced packaging for smart phones, tablets and laptops.
—Katie Sloan