LANSING- Today, State Senator Glenn S. Anderson joined Governor Jennifer Granholm, Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano and Mayor Jack Kirksey to announce A123 System’s decision to locate their future headquarters and production facilities in Wayne County.

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Detroit to announce a $1.3 billion investment 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 new facilities in Livonia, Brownstown, and Romulus. The company plans to invest more than $600 million in the project.

“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 state and local leaders to help put Michigan back to work.”

This announcement was the latest step which began with a critical vote by Senator 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. Additionally, House Bill 4515 and Senate Bill 319 were passed this year to further expand these credits as they began to show signs of success.

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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