Tucson Standard

EV battery cell developer Sion Power Corp. will expand its manufacturing operations in Tucson with an 111,400-square-foot facility in the 6900 block of South Country Club Road.

According to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) website, construction is expected to be completed by 2026, and will result in 150 new jobs and an economic impact on the region of $341 million over the next five years. The expansion will include an automated battery cell production line, lithium-metal anode manufacturing and cell assembly and testing, according to the website.

“The global construction of battery manufacturing plants is occurring at a rapid pace, and the United States can’t be left behind,” Tracy Kelley, CEO of Sion Power, said, according to the ACA website. “With our facility expansion in Tucson, Arizona, it will allow Sion Power to further our mission of scaling battery manufacturing from research and development to commercialization. This enables us to better serve our customers and their applications.”

Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the ACA, pointed out on the website that the company’s expansion demonstrates the state’s role in EV and battery technologies.

“We are excited Sion Power will continue its impressive legacy in Tucson, manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles while expanding Arizona’s battery supply chain,” Watson said on the ACA website.

Moreover, Sharon Bronson, chairperson of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, pointed out on the ACA website that Sion has been a leader in the community.

“Sion Power has been a valued business in Pima County for many years,” she said, according to the ACA. “The county works hard to ensure local companies have the workforce they need, and we thank Sion for their continued investment in our region. Congratulations to Tracy and the entire team for this achievement.”

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero lauded the community’s place in EV preparedness, according to the ACA.

“Tucson is a national leader in EV readiness and a growing hub for battery manufacturing in the Southwest,” she said. “Together, we are creating hundreds of high-wage green jobs and elevating Tucson’s reputation as a leader in climate action.”

According to the ACA, Joe Snell, president and CEO of Sun Corridor Inc., noted that the community’s efforts a key to driving growth in the local economy.

“Beyond business attraction, another critical aspect to economic development success is to help local headquarter companies like Sion Power expand,” Snell said on the ACA website. “We’re thrilled to see this expansion include innovative and next-gen technologies that offer high-skilled jobs to our community.”