Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), a global leader in Dnp Printing technologies and a top manufacturer of lithium-ion battery pouches, has announced a significant investment in North Carolina. The company will invest $233 million to establish its first U.S. advanced manufacturing facility in Linwood, Davidson County, creating 352 new jobs. This move underscores North Carolina’s growing prominence in the clean energy sector and marks a major expansion for DNP in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain.
Governor Roy Cooper personally engaged with DNP executives during his economic development mission to Tokyo in October. His discussions highlighted North Carolina’s burgeoning clean energy industry and the advantages of Davidson County, ultimately persuading DNP to choose the state for this strategic investment.
“My meeting with DNP in Tokyo last month was productive, and I’m thrilled they are establishing their EV battery pouch manufacturing facility in North Carolina. This decision further validates our state’s leadership in the expanding clean energy economy,” stated Governor Cooper. “We extend a warm welcome to DNP in Davidson County, confident they will find a skilled workforce and a high quality of life to support their operations.”
Founded in 1876, DNP has evolved from a leading printing company into a diversified global enterprise. Leveraging its core dnp printing and precision coating technologies, DNP holds the world’s largest market share in battery pouches for lithium-ion batteries. These pouches are critical components for electric vehicles, providing robust yet flexible protection for EV battery cells. DNP’s expertise extends beyond EV applications; for over three decades, the company has been developing and manufacturing high-performance packaging for smartphones, tablets, and laptops. These pouches are engineered for lightness, thinness, and resilience, offering superior resistance to heat and vibrations, crucial protection from moisture, extended battery lifespan, and enhanced fuel efficiency in various applications. The application of dnp printing technology ensures the precision and quality required for these demanding applications.
North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders emphasized the state’s appeal to companies like DNP: “From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina’s electric vehicle industry is experiencing remarkable growth. Our abundant natural resources, reputation for a highly skilled workforce, and robust transportation infrastructure continue to attract global leaders like DNP, who share our commitment to sustainable manufacturing.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce spearheaded the state’s efforts to attract DNP to North Carolina. The new positions will offer an average annual salary of $50,281, exceeding the Davidson County average wage of $49,956, and are projected to contribute over $17.6 million annually to the regional payroll.
DNP’s project is supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. This grant is projected to grow the state’s economy by $691 million over the next 12 years. The JDIG agreement allows for a potential reimbursement to DNP of up to $2,741,400 over 12 years, contingent on the company meeting job creation and investment targets. JDIG projects are structured to ensure a net positive tax revenue for the state.
Davidson County’s Tier 2 economic designation means a portion of DNP’s JDIG agreement, $304,600, will be directed to the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. This fund is crucial for assisting rural communities in financing essential infrastructure upgrades to attract future businesses, highlighting the broader economic benefits of DNP’s investment.
“This announcement is fantastic news for Davidson County and the entire state of North Carolina,” stated N.C. Senator Steve Jarvis. “This substantial investment and the creation of new jobs will have a significant positive impact on our region, and we are committed to supporting DNP’s growth here.”
N.C. Representative Larry Potts added, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome DNP to our corporate community. We commend the dedicated work of economic development professionals and our state and local partners who collaborated to bring this project to fruition.”
Key partners in this project, alongside the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Community College System, Davidson-Davie Community College, Golden LEAF Foundation, Davidson County, Davidson County Economic Development Commission, and the City of Linwood. This collaborative effort demonstrates North Carolina’s commitment to fostering a thriving environment for advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries, with companies like DNP Printing playing a pivotal role in this growth.
