AUBURN, Mass. (AP) -- A Massachusetts battery manufacturer is planning to open a new factory in the state that could eventually employ up to 600 people making batteries for hybrid and electric cars.
Boston-Power Inc. founder and Chief Executive Christina Lampe-Onnerud says the privately owned company will build the factory in the 455,000-square-foot former Filene's Basement distribution facility in Auburn.
An official announcement involving Gov. Deval Patrick is expected Monday.
Lampe-Onnerud said says the manufacturing plant is contingent on $100 million in federal stimulus funds. The state has also committed to invest $9 million in the project.
Boston-Power was founded in 2005 and makes lithium ion batteries for Hewlett-Packard Co. laptops. It currently employs about 100.