‘What I see is opportunity.’ 200 high-tech jobs coming to Bridgeport
On Friday afternoon, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that Nanoramic Labs will convert an old factory space into a next-generation lithium-ion battery factory.
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Hundreds of high-paying, high-tech jobs are coming to Bridgeport – and they could lead to even more.
On Friday afternoon, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that Nanoramic Labs will convert an old factory space into a next-generation lithium-ion battery factory.
REJUVENATING A COMMUNITY
Bridgeport was once the industrial engine of Connecticut, but those days have passed the city by.
“There's a lot of crime,” said lifelong resident Irving Webb. “A lot of crime.”
But where some see despair, Nanoramic founder John Cooley sees opportunity.
“What a better way to rejuvenate a community than to put in advanced clean energy manufacturing?” he said.
Nanoramic is partnering with the University of Bridgeport to train some 200 workers for high-paying positions.
“We're not just talking about jobs that are menial,” said state Sen. Herron Gaston (D)-Bridgeport). “We're talking about jobs that are going to help people and their families.”
NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY
Cooley’s company, which started at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is designing the next generation of lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from cell phones to electric cars. Nanoramic is developing a cleaner battery that does not create toxic by-products like PFAS, while also being able to store more energy.
“In a car, you'll see that your car will drive further – maybe 30% further – and will cost less,” Cooley said.
The Bridgeport facility will produce batteries for electric grid storage – a critical need when storms knock power service out.
WHY BRIDGEPORT?
Bridgeport beat out several others sites across the country, including New York state. While the project is getting $47.5 million from the federal government, it’s not getting any state incentives, according to the Lamont administration.
Cooley said his company is all about re-inventing the past, so Bridgeport made sense.
“We're really coming full circle,” he said. “What I see is opportunity when we drive around Bridgeport.”
The company is still negotiating for a location. After that, Cooley said the new battery factory could open in 2025.
