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Physical Sciences Inc (PSI) has completed the acquisition of a 67,400 square foot battery manufacturing facility in Methuen, Massachusetts, as we expand our research, development, and production of advanced energy technologies to meet urgent national defense requirements.
Under the terms of deal, PSI acquired critical production equipment, almost 10,000 square feet of dry and clean rooms, and a total of 42,000 square feet capable of supporting the production of up to 200 MWh/year of military-qualified Lithium-ion batteries.
The Methuen facility replaces an existing 2 MWh/year facility located in Wilmington. It will be used to support battery system development efforts for critical U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and U.S. Special Operations Command needs as well as future NASA missions. The increased capacity will immediately be employed to meet production needs for several Navy undersea system programs.
“PSI’s development of this manufacturing capability is closely aligned with the national goal to expand domestic sources of the critical minerals required to build energy storage systems that are needed for national security,” said Bill Marinelli, President and CEO. “PSI is proud to make this investment in the components that will ensure we have the secure and reliable supply chains we need for years to come.”
The acquisition of this facility is the result of a decade-long effort to develop an advanced domestic Lithium-ion battery production capability for critical Department of War needs. The work has been supported by key government investments, beginning with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards and followed by program funding from the Navy and prime defense contractors.
The facility joins PSI’s production facilities in Wilmington for high-temperature ceramic matrix composites and advanced radiation detection systems in demonstrating the company’s commitment to transitioning SBIR-funded technology into production for the mission agencies of the U.S. government.
”The SBIR program has been crucial in enabling us to serve Federal R&D needs by developing and scaling highly specialized technologies that are critical to the military but often do not have broad commercial applications and therefore are unattractive to investors. Our battery work for the Navy is just one example of how innovators like PSI, that are tailored to solving our military’s technology challenges, are successfully leveraging the SBIR program to advance major defense programs.”
Responses from Massachusetts US Senator Ed Markey and Congressional Representative Lori Trahan
Local leaders US Senator Ed Markey and US Congressional Representative Lori Trahan have shared their thoughts on the acquisition by PSI.
Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), the lead Democrat on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee said. “For decades, the SBIR program has been driving innovation and economic growth in Massachusetts. We aren’t just the Bay State, we are the Brain State. This new facility is a clear example of how innovative small businesses turn federal research and development investments into real world results.”
“For decades, Physical Sciences Inc. has been a driving force in Massachusetts’ innovation economy and a trusted partner to our military. Their decision to expand manufacturing in Methuen is a major win for our region and for our national security. By increasing domestic production of advanced, military-grade battery systems, PSI is strengthening the supply chain, creating high-quality local jobs, and ensuring our servicemembers have the cutting-edge technology they need to keep our nation safe,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan.