LANSING-Today, Vice President Joe Biden announced an investment of $860 million in Michigan as part of an ongoing effort to position Michigan at the forefront of new automotive technologies. Among the projects funded, $249 million will help A123Systems Inc. launch a new battery production facility in Livonia. The company plans to invest more than $600 million in the project. Today’s announcement was the latest step which began with a critical vote by Senator Glenn S. Anderson and members of the Michigan Senate in 2008 to pass House Bill 6611, which created incentives for investment in the development and manufacturing of lithium-ion and other high-tech batteries used to power hybrid and electric cars.

“From day one, the goal of this effort has been to create jobs for the men and women of Michigan,” said Sen. Anderson. “The fact that A123Systems has chosen to locate this important facility in Livonia is a testament to the quality of the workforce present here and the commitment of local and state leaders to help put Michigan back to work.”

A123Systems is one of the state's six Centers of Energy Excellence and has entered into a development and manufacturing agreement with Chrysler LLC to provide battery systems for the company's ENVI product line. To learn more about A123Systems Inc., visit their website: http://www.a123systems.com.

“This investment represents exactly how federal, state, and local officials can come together to support local businesses and move toward diversifying and reenergizing Michigan’s economy,” said Sen. Anderson. “I was very encouraged by this announcement, and I will work to continue to make Michigan state government an enabling agent for these sorts of investments in Michigan workers.”

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