Edgecombe County, North Carolina, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Natron Energy has announced the closure of its operations and cancellation of a $1.4 billion battery factory project in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. This decision, driven by financial challenges and an inability to secure funding, is a major blow to the local economy, which expected over 1,000 jobs to be created. The factory was projected to inject $3.4 billion into the economy over 12 years. This closure follows similar setbacks in the area, highlighting ongoing challenges in attracting industrial investments.
North Carolina – Natron Energy, a California-based company, announced on September 3, 2025, that it has ceased operations and abandoned plans for a $1.4 billion battery factory in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. This decision represents a significant setback for the local economy, which was expecting the factory to create over 1,000 jobs with an average salary of $64,071.
The proposed factory was anticipated to propel the local economy by injecting an estimated $3.4 billion over the next 12 years. State officials had approved an incentive package worth up to $56.3 million for the project, highlighting the economic potential that the factory would bring. Unfortunately, due to financial challenges and the inability to secure additional funding or sales, Natron Energy decided to shut down operations.
In addition to halting its planned factory, Natron Energy permanently closed its operations in Holland, Michigan, and Santa Clara, California. Approximately 95 employees in total were affected by these layoffs, with operations in Holland employing only about 37 individuals. The intensified job losses are of particular concern for the Rocky Mount area, which had been banking on the employment opportunities that the factory would generate.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley expressed disappointment over Natron Energy’s failure to move forward with its factory plans, emphasizing the lost potential for high-paying jobs in a growing industry. Despite actively seeking additional capital from existing and potential investors, the company ceased its attempts by late August, unable to raise enough funds to cover operational expenses and working capital needs.
Natron Energy had booked a total of $25 million in orders for its industrial sodium-ion batteries. However, these revenues were not accessible due to delays in obtaining certification from Underwriters Laboratory. The sodium-ion battery technology promised advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, such as higher power density and enhanced safety features, which made the planned factory even more attractive.
The project aimed to support clean energy development in North Carolina, aligning with the state’s goal for sustainability. Nevertheless, this is not the first setback for the Kingsboro site; it follows the cancellation of plans by Chinese tire maker Triangle Tyre, which also hoped to bring significant jobs to the area with its own manufacturing facility.
While no payments from the approved incentive package were made to Natron Energy, as companies must meet hiring and investment targets to receive state grants, local economic developers are still optimistic about the Kingsboro megasite. This site continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s top locations for industrial prospects.
As the community grapples with this recent closure, the future of the Kingsboro site and its economic development remains uncertain. Ongoing efforts are likely aimed at attracting new investments and projects to the area, ensuring residents continue to have opportunities for employment in the evolving industrial landscape.
FAQ
What was Natron Energy planning to build in North Carolina?
Natron Energy was planning to build a $1.4 billion battery factory in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, which was expected to employ over 1,000 people.
Why did Natron Energy cease operations?
The company ceased operations due to financial challenges and failure to secure additional funding or sales to sustain its operations.
How many jobs were expected from the proposed factory?
More than 1,000 jobs with an average salary of $64,071 were projected to be created by the factory.
What is sodium-ion battery technology?
Sodium-ion battery technology offers benefits such as higher power density and enhanced safety features compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
What impact does this closure have on the local economy?
The closure represents a significant economic blow to the Rocky Mount area as it was counting on the factory to spur economic growth and provide jobs.
Key Features of Natron Energy’s Closure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Natron Energy |
| State of Operations | North Carolina |
| Investment Amount | $1.4 billion |
| Projected Jobs | 1,000+ |
| Average Salary | $64,071 |
| Economic Impact | $3.4 billion over 12 years |
| Incentive Package | $56.3 million |
| Technology Produced | Sodium-ion batteries |
| Closure Date | September 3, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The News & Observer
- Wikipedia: Natron Energy
- Carolina Journal
- Google Search: Natron Energy
- WRAL
- Google Scholar: Sodium-Ion Battery Technology
- Battery Tech Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sodium-Ion Battery
- The Reflector
- Google News: Edgecombe County Battery Factory
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
