Exide Technologies, a global leader in stored electrical energy solutions, will add 100 to 130 additional jobs at its Salina battery assembly and electrical charging facility and $10 million dollars in expanding capacity. The growth is expected to occur within the next two years.
“This is a great day for Salina and the state of Kansas,” said Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. “The decision by Exide to expand in Salina is a reflection of the importance that we place on creating a positive business environment that encourages economic growth and job creation. This expansion is a model for cooperation between the public and private sectors, which came together to make this progress happen. Congratulations to all those involved. ”
Exide is investing in equipment upgrades, line expansions, infrastructure and utilities at its Salina operation, which currently employs more than 600 people. Following the investment in Salina, Exide will have the capacity to expand the annual assembly and charging of batteries destined for automobiles.
“On behalf of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, I thank Governor Brownback, the Kansas Department of Commerce, Westar Energy and the Salina Economic Development Incentives Council for working together to make this significant expansion possible,” said Salina Chamber Chairman Dan Mendicina, plant director of Philips Lighting.
“The project will result in more than four million dollars of increased annual payroll for the community and many above average wage positions,” Mendicina said. “With the Hawker Beechcraft lease at the Salina Airport ending later this month, this is very good news for all of Salina.”
“Exide Technologies is proud of the more than 35 years it has spent as an employer and corporate citizen of the City of Salina,” said Exide Vice President, Communications, Susan Jaramillo. “We are pleased to be able to not only continue but grow this relationship into the future. Exide wants to thanks the city of Salina and the state of Kansas for their cooperation and ongoing support of our business.”
Kansas and Salina combined to provide Exide a package of expansion incentives. The Salina portion of the package is contingent upon approval by the city. The Salina Economic Development Incentives Council consists of Phyllis Anderson (county representative), Stephanie Klingzell Carlin and Dale Heuszel (city representatives), Jeff Thompson (airport authority), Dan Mendicina (chamber), Jerry Fowler (county chair) and Samantha Angell (mayor).
