DOT 115-09
Contact: Maureen Knightly (202) 366-4570
Wednesday, August 5, 2009

U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John D. Porcari Announces $32.5 Million for East Penn Manufacturing
DOE Recovery Act Funds Will Go to Support the Next Generation of U.S. Batteries
And Electric Vehicles Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At an event in Lyon Station, Pennsylvania today U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John D. Porcari announced that East Penn Manufacturing Company, Inc. will receive a $32.5 million grant from the Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Today’s announcement is part of a ground-breaking 2.4 billion-dollar effort to help U.S.-based manufacturers make and test thousands of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles along with the batteries, chargers, and other components needed to operate them.

East Penn Manufacturing is a third-generation family business with over 63 years in battery manufacturing.  It will use the funds to expand its production capacities to manufacture high volumes of next-generation lead acid batteries.  These batteries will serve as critical components of Hybrid Electric Vehicles meeting customer commitments for over 4.2 million batteries between 2009 and 2012.

“These batteries will support cleaner, more efficient cars that will increase fuel economy to meet CAFE standards, reduce local air pollution and greenhouse gases, and achieve greater energy security,” said Deputy Secretary Porcari.  “Without question, this is a transformational moment for the transportation industry.”

U.S. Representative Tim Holden said, “We are pleased to have this great investment from the DOE. East Penn manufacturing enjoys a wonderful reputation based on their quality product and the great craftsmanship of their employees.”

The announcement marks the single largest investment in advanced battery technology for hybrid and electric-drive vehicles ever made. This $2.4 billion investment, coupled with another $2.4 billion in cost share from the award winners, will create tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs in the battery and auto industries in the U.S.

“If we’re serious about tapping into clean, alternative sources of energy to power our cars, trucks, and other vehicles, then we’ve got to invest in the technology, the training, and the manufacturing base to make that happen,” added Porcari.  “Working together, we’re going to set the pace for America’s economic recovery and our environmental future.”

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