Commercial vehicle battery maker cuts ribbon in Hillard

HILLARD, Ohio (WKBN) – A company that specializes in making batteries for autonomous and commercial vehicles cut the ribbon on a new facility in Hillard.

Foresee Power expects to hire 150 employees with $9 million in payroll. It established its industrial site and North American headquarters Thursday afternoon on Lyman Drive.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was on site Thursday for the ribbon cutting. The battery maker is one of many new technology companies calling Ohio home. Battery plants in Lordstown and Jeffersonville are established, and the new Intel chip plant in New Albany is expected to be complete before 2027. It’s all part of what’s being called the “battery belt” in Ohio.

“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 specializes in designing and manufacturing smart battery systems. 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.

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