Forsee Power inaugurated its North American HQ and plant in Ohio, targeting 3 GWh in 2028

Battery systems supplier Forsee Power has inaugurated its North American headquarters and its new industrial site in Columbus, Ohio (a 138,000 sq. ft site), aiming to meet the growing needs of North American customers, whether in the heavy or light vehicle sector, meeting “Buy America” standards. Target capacity for 2028: 3 GWh. Jay Deis covers the position of President of Forsee Power North America.

The inauguration of this site marks a key step in Forsee Power’s expansion strategy. Located in Hilliard, in the Columbus metropolitan area, this 138,000-square feet (13,000 sqm) site will house the Company’s North American headquarters as well as production and R&D operations.

The French company released that half-year sales 2024 were €84.4 million, up +7% from H1 2023 (+17% looking only at heavy-vehicles segment). Forsee Power targets the achievement of break-even adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2024, as already highlighted also during our visit at the company’s plant in Poitiers, France (the plan is for a projected 15% positive EBITDA by 2028).

Profitability of the company has been impacted by a “macro situation where financial investors do not invest in small and medium tech companies in Europe“, as told by Forsee Power‘s CEO Christophe Gurtner in a interview with Sustainable Bus.

Forsee Power opens plant in Ohio, North America

The site already accommodates 2 versatile assembly lines capable of producing 8 different models of battery systems and forecasts a production capacity of 3 GWh by 2028, that will be scalable. “It will play a strategic role in the supply of battery systems for the heavy vehicles market (buses, trucks, non-road vehicles and trains) as well as for the light vehicle market (3 and 4 utility wheels, two-wheelers, recreational vehicles)”, Forsee Power states.

By 2028, Forsee Power plans to recruit 150 employees to strengthen its local teams, delivering industry-specific training and collaborating with universities and schools to develop curricula in the battery system industry.

To get started quickly, Forsee Power states it has duplicated production lines that already successfully operate in Europe and Asia. In addition, “the group is working on adapting new solutions specific to the American market. These developments will build a solid industrial base and stimulate innovation in the development of battery solutions tailored to the needs of North American customers”.

Jay Deis at the helm of Forsee Power’s strategies in North America

Jay Deis, President of Forsee Power North America, is responsible for building the organization, production operations and product expertise necessary to support the development of the North American market. His strong experience in the automotive and commercial vehicle industry, acquired in international companies, will be a major asset for Forsee Power’s success in the region.

Christophe Gurtner, Chairman and CEO of Forsee Power: “The opening of our new production site in Ohio is a crucial step in our expansion strategy in North America. Perfectly aligned with the US 2030 plan to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, our expertise and our ability to innovate in zero-emission solutions position us as a key player in supporting the decarbonization of transportation in North America.”

“Ohio offers a powerful combination of opportunity, innovation, and affordability that can’t be found anywhere else, and our track record for helping companies succeed in the electric vehicle market can’t be beat. We welcome Forsee Power to Ohio and appreciate the jobs and investment they’re bringing here,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“A global leader in cutting-edge battery system technology, Forsee Power’s move to Ohio is part of a wave of industrial onshoring and reshoring that has sparked a renaissance of the American Midwest, with Ohio leading the way,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef.