Battery-maker Duracell is moving its massive global research and development facility in Bethel, Conn., to a new, 13-storey headquarters building in the sprawling, 18-acre Science Square innovation district in Atlanta, Ga., adjacent to the midtown campus at Georgia Tech University.
Duracell will lease 59,000 square feet on two full floors of the newly constructed Science Square Labs tower which was constructed by Brasfield & Gorrie and designed by Perkins & Will. The facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026. Cost of the project is $56 million.
Science Square is a multi-phase development centered on innovation, featuring more than 1.8 million square feet of lab and office space for life sciences and technology companies along with apartments and retail space. The first phase of Science Square opened last year.
The move by Duracell will create more than 100 jobs and further solidify Atlanta’s reputation as a hub for technological advancement.
“This move is a significant milestone for Duracell as we continue to drive innovation in battery technology for many years to come and we’re excited about the opportunities that our Atlanta move will bring,” said Dr. Liben Hailu, chief technology officer at Duracell.
The decision to move Duracell’s R&D headquarters to Atlanta is strategic and driven by several key factors, namely the advantages offered by the booming innovation ecosystem in Atlanta and at Georgia Tech, according to the company.
Duracell already has a manufacturing facility in LaGrange, Ga., that has been in operation since 1980 and supports 400 workers, and a logistics and distribution plant in Fairburn, Ga., that began operations in 2020 and has 275 workers. The company manufactures alkaline, lithium coin and hearing aid batteries.
The new facility at Science Square will be at 101 Nerem St. NW. The space was developed by global real estate developer Trammell Crow Company.
The new building will feature state-of-the-art laboratories, modern collaborative workspaces and advanced technology infrastructure to support research and development activities.
The investment is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the region. With average salaries projected at $120,000, the jobs that will be created will provide valuable opportunities for local talent.
The Duracell brand and company were started in the 1920s and the firm has grown to be a leader in the primary battery market in North America. The company is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
The company will be providing staff in Bethel with resources to help in the relocation process.
Georgia Tech president Ángel Cabrera said he is thrilled that the company is relocating to Georgia.
“This collaboration is a testament to our ongoing efforts to bridge academia and industry, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive and lead to groundbreaking advancements.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Georgia is a leader when it comes to attracting innovative companies with the state’s research institutions, world-class logistics network and pro-business environment.
“I want to thank our local and state partners who are leveraging those assets to their fullest to bring new opportunities across the state. We are excited to welcome Duracell’s R&D headquarters to Atlanta and continue building on this great relationship.”
The move has broader implications beyond Duracell. Science Square Labs is Atlanta’s first speculative lab and office building, reflecting a strong belief in the region’s research potential.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the city’s transportation infrastructure, diverse talent pool from top-tier universities and a thriving tech ecosystem make the city an ideal environment for corporate innovation and growth.
“We appreciate Duracell’s confidence in Atlanta, including the investment of more than 100 new jobs that will provide the opportunity for more Atlanta residents to build promising careers.”
Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, said the impact of Duracell’s decision to locate its R&D headquarters in Atlanta goes beyond the new innovation jobs.
“Duracell strengthens our region’s powerful reputation as a hub for innovation and furthers Georgia’s growing battery ecosystem,” she noted. “Duracell is locating literally next door to the world-class talent at Georgia Tech and in close proximity to the other tens of thousands of new graduates in the region, setting them up for long-term success.”
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