Appearing at Saft Manufacturing Plant in Jacksonville Governor Rick

Appearing at Saft Manufacturing Plant in Jacksonville
Governor Rick Scott Calls for STEM Teacher Residency Program
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Site selected to acknowledge Saft’s leadership in technology innovation, worker training
and STEM education initiatives.
235,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Jacksonville is the most advanced, automated
lithium-ion battery factory in the world, serving energy, industry, transportation, military
and aerospace.
Governor seeks support for 2016-17 proposed budget initiative for STEM summer residency
program for Florida teachers.
Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 20, 2015 – Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of hightech industrial batteries, will host Governor Rick Scott today at its Jacksonville manufacturing
plant where the state’s chief executive will express his commitment to strengthening Florida’s
manufacturing base. Governor Scott will highlight proposed funding in Florida’s budget to
partner with high-tech companies like Saft to create a paid summer residency program for
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) teachers. The goal of the program is to
bring new industry trends back to Florida’s K-12 classrooms.
Governor Scott selected Saft as the site for today’s appearance to acknowledge the company’s
leadership in technology innovation, worker training and education initiatives. Saft is a global
leader in the design and manufacturing of next-generation batteries and Energy Storage
Systems used in industrial, military, aerospace, transportation and power grid applications.
Saft’s 235,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Jacksonville is the most advanced,
automated lithium-ion battery factory in the world.
First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA), serving the greater Jacksonville area, has
formally recognized Saft in recent years for achievements in workforce education,
environmental sustainability and economic impact. Saft has been a top three finalist for FCMA
Manufacturer of the Year for two consecutive years, and was named 2014 International
Company of the Year by the JAXUSA Partnership, northeast Florida's regional economic
development initiative.
“We are proud to have been chosen by Governor Scott for today’s event,” said Thomas Alcide,
President of Saft America. “As a leader in the manufacturing community in northeast Florida,
Saft will continue to champion the educational initiatives and technical innovations needed to
rebuild American manufacturing and bring jobs back home.”
Governor Scott’s address will focus on the importance of STEM education in Florida and paid
summer residency programs placing STEM teachers at high-tech companies, in which Saft and
partner companies in northeast Florida, including Embraer and Lockheed Martin, have agreed
to participate.
N° 60-15
www.saftbatteries.com
The Governor previously announced his support for favorable tax conditions for manufacturers
as key components to building a diverse industrial base and creating new jobs. He has also
rallied support for $20 million in funding for a rapid response grant for technical centers across
Florida to create programs in response to Florida’s workforce needs that enable students to
get jobs in high-skill, high-wage careers.
In addition, the Governor seeks to eliminate corporate income tax for manufacturers and make
permanent the 2013 law that eliminated the sales tax on capital equipment for manufacturers,
which is due to expire. Supporters of the Governor’s proposals representing the
manufacturing sector in Florida assert that the industry has played a key role in Florida’s recent
economic growth, citing the need for policies that will help restore manufacturing jobs in U.S.
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About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology
batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and
primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil
and military electronics’ markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defense batteries with
its Li-ion technologies which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and
telecommunication network markets. More than 4,000 employees in 18 countries, 14
manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s
growth for the future.
Saft batteries. Designed for industry. www.saftbatteries.com
Press Contacts:
Saft
Jill Ledger, Corporate Communication and Institutional Director
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 77, e-mail : [email protected]
Karen Hollington, Corporate Communication Manager
Tel: + 33 1 49 93 17 68, e-mail: [email protected]
Naomi Silver, U.S. Communications Manager
Tel.: +1-410-568-6452, e-mail: [email protected]
French | West | Vaughan
Melissa Timney, Tel.: +1-919-277-1165; e-mail: [email protected]
N° 60-15
www.saftbatteries.com