Forsee Power, a French battery company that specializes in designing and manufacturing smart battery systems, held the inauguration of its industrial site and North American headquarters Thursday afternoon on Lyman Drive.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Christophe Gurtner, Forsee Chairman and CEO, JobsOhio representatives, and other local dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the site.
“Hilliard is on the move and part of the future of the state,” DeWine said. “We’re seeing companies come in here, they’re welcome here, and it’s the culture that companies are really looking for. It’s good for the citizens of Hilliard and good for the citizens of the state of Ohio.”
Forsee Power will lease the property at 4555 Lyman Drive, a site formerly operated by Highlights for Children, Inc. The company has committed to hiring 150 employees with more than $9 million in payroll. The site will host corporate office space, manufacturing operations, and research and development capabilities.
“Our plan based on what we’re setting up here today is to build up 150 jobs in this factory in the coming three years,” Gurtner said.
“We’re not going anywhere,” said Jay Deis, President of Forsee Power North America. “We chose this location as a commitment that’s demonstrated by our $14.5 million investment into the building and our equipment. We’re here, we’re stable, and we’re ready to be successful for the next many years.”
Forsee Power designs, assembles, and supplies energy management systems based on the most robust cells available on the market, as well as provides installation, commissioning, and on-site or remote maintenance. Their applications are used in autonomous vehicles/robotics, light urban utility vehicles, bus, truck, rail and marine. The company aims to target the growing commercial vehicle market — primarily buses, school buses, trains, and off-highway vehicles.
