SAFT America Inc., a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-technology batteries, is making progress on its new 277,560 sq. ft. facility at Cecil Commerce Center. SAFT was awarded a $95.5 million federal grant to construct the new factory, which will be LEED-certified upon completion.

On Sept. 8, 2009, SAFT announced their intent to build a lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant on 12 acres at Cecil Commerce Center. Jacksonville was one of several cities under consideration for this project, ultimately providing the most cost effective location.

SAFT is investing more than $200 million in new capital and will create 279 new jobs in Jacksonville. On March 15, 2010, SAFT broke ground on the facility, which is expected to be completed by late fall 2010.