Charlotte, North Carolina (December 13, 2022) – Albemarle Corporation, a global specialty chemicals company, chose Charlotte for its state-of-the-art Albemarle Technology Park, creating 200 jobs near University City.
Albemarle CEO Kent Masters said: “We are proud to make this investment in the city where we are headquartered and to serve the state and local economy in this capacity.”
Albemarle will invest up to $200 million to develop a technology park focused on advanced materials research and development, new process development and next-generation lithium products. Innovations from the new site will enhance lithium recovery, improve production methods and introduce new forms of lithium that will further propel the lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle sectors.
“Albemarle’s work on next-generation products related to lithium batteries truly advances North Carolina’s leadership in the emerging clean energy economy,” said Governor Cooper. “Reducing carbon emissions is good for our environment and great for our economy.”
The announcement cements Charlotte’s role as a leader in electric vehicle innovation and North Carolina’s role as a frontrunner in electric vehicle manufacturing overall. Charlotte’s regional assets, including lithium deposits, a strong manufacturing workforce, and top-notch R&D talent, stand out as an attractive market for EV companies and suppliers. Over the past two years, global EV companies such as Arrival, Toyota and VinFast have announced major investments across the state. Interstate 85 through Carolina is emerging as a destination for electric vehicle and clean energy innovation.
“Charlotte has been home to the Albemarle Corporation for several years,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This investment demonstrates their commitment to growth and innovation for the company and our city, and we have a talented workforce that can fill the jobs this expansion brings.”
Albemarle has been a strong community partner since moving its headquarters to Charlotte in 2015, supporting education and diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the region. The company’s foundation works closely with Charlotte nonprofits such as Freedom School Partners, the Young Black Leadership Alliance, and the YMCA Charlotte. The lithium industry leader is deeply committed to sustainability, implementing global clean energy initiatives, including its lithium processing facility in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.
“We are pleased to support the expansion of Albemarle Corporation’s Advanced Materials R&D facility in the University City area of Mecklenburg County. “We are an emerging leader in the EV and battery space.The employment opportunities Albemarle offers are the jobs of the future, and we want to support and nurture them. We look forward to continued partnerships with our leaders and pioneers as we build their legacy here in Mecklenburg County,” said George Dunlap, Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Commission.
The project was a collaborative effort between the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Economic Development Partnership, the North Carolina Legislature, the North Carolina Community College System, University Center Partners, and the Charlotte Area Business Alliance. .
Over the past 12 months, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have collaborated on economic development projects including the relocation and expansion of ACC, Bosch Rexroth, Solve Industrial Motion Group and others. Today’s announcement from Albemarle Corp. brings the city and county more than $287 million in his capital investment, creating 350 new jobs and retaining 435 jobs.
To read North Carolina’s release, Governor Cooper announces 200 new jobs as Albemarle Corporation expands in Mecklenburg County.
