{"680690":{"#nid":"680690","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Duracell\u0027s $56 Million Investment in Atlanta: A Boost for Georgia Tech and Innovation","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn a significant development for Atlanta\u2019s innovation landscape, Duracell Inc., a leading U.S. battery manufacturer, has announced a $56 million investment to establish its new R\u0026amp;D global headquarters at Georgia Tech\u2019s Science Square, a research innovation district adjacent to the university. This move is set to create 110 high-paying jobs and further solidify Atlanta\u0027s reputation as a hub for technological advancement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Strategic Move to Atlanta\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDuracell\u0027s decision to relocate its R\u0026amp;D facility from Bethel, Connecticut, to Atlanta, Georgia, underscores the strategic advantages offered by Georgia Tech and Atlanta\u2019s booming innovation ecosystem. The new hub is scheduled to open in Summer 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis collaboration is a testament to our ongoing efforts to bridge academia and industry, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive and lead to groundbreaking advancements,\u0022 said \u00c1ngel Cabrera, Georgia Tech president.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEconomic and Technological Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe investment is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the region. With average salaries projected at $120,000, the creation of 110 jobs will provide valuable opportunities for local talent. Duracell\u0027s presence will also enhance the battery research, development, and manufacturing activities already thriving in Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia has set itself apart as a leader in attracting innovative companies with our research institutions, world-class logistics network, and pro-business environment,\u201d said Gov. Brian Kemp in a press release.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Long-Standing Relationship With Georgia\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDuracell\u0027s relationship with Georgia dates back to 1980, with the company running a manufacturing facility in LaGrange and a distribution plant in Fairburn that began operation in 2000.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re excited about the opportunities the move to Atlanta will bring,\u201d said Liben Hailu, chief technology officer at Duracell. \u201cThis move is a significant milestone for Duracell, as we continue to drive innovation in battery technology for many years to come.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScience Square: A Hub for Innovation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EScience Square, developed in partnership with commercial real estate firm Trammell Crow Co., is a premier destination for life sciences and technology companies. Spanning 18 acres, the multiphase development features more than 1.8 million square feet of lab and office space, along with apartments and retail space. Its first phase opened last year, and Duracell\u0027s new hub will occupy a substantial portion of the building.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EDuracell Inc. is investing $56 million to establish its new global R\u0026amp;D headquarters at Georgia Tech\u2019s Science Square, creating 110 high-paying jobs and reinforcing Atlanta\u2019s position as a technology hub. The move from Bethel, Connecticut, highlights Atlanta\u2019s strategic advantages, including its strong innovation ecosystem and collaboration between academia and industry. This investment will boost Georgia\u2019s economy, strengthen its battery research sector, and expand Duracell\u2019s long-standing presence in the state.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"New R\u0026D headquarters at Science Square to drive innovation and create 110 high-paying Jobs in Atlanta."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2025-02-21 21:48:27","changed_gmt":"2025-02-21 21:57:14","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-02-21T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-02-21T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676371":{"id":"676371","type":"image","title":"Science-Square-Ribbon-Cutting-007.JPG","body":null,"created":"1740174630","gmt_created":"2025-02-21 21:50:30","changed":"1740174630","gmt_changed":"2025-02-21 21:50:30","alt":"Outdoor shot of science square","file":{"fid":"260147","name":"Science-Square-Ribbon-Cutting-007.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/21\/Science-Square-Ribbon-Cutting-007_0.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/21\/Science-Square-Ribbon-Cutting-007_0.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":7251315,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/02\/21\/Science-Square-Ribbon-Cutting-007_0.JPG?itok=c_hbDz9B"}}},"media_ids":["676371"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194334","name":"Duracell"},{"id":"191083","name":"science square"},{"id":"11411","name":"economic growth"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Media Relations\u0026nbsp;Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["aisles3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}