Trammell Crow Co.'s Science Square Labs building in Midtown Atlanta is getting a jolt of electricity with a new tenant moving from out of state.
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Battery-maker Duracell is moving its global research and development headquarters to the 13-story lab building in the Science Square mixed-use project. Duracell is expected to invest $56M in the space next to Georgia Tech's campus, creating 110 jobs, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday.
A Duracell spokesperson said the battery-maker “will be leasing a significant portion of the Science Square building.” It is relocating its operations to Atlanta from Bethel, Connecticut, shuttering the facilities in its longtime former headquarters.
Chicago-based Duracell could occupy between 50K SF and 70K SF in the 368K SF Science Square Labs building, a source familiar with the deal told Bisnow.
“Duracell will be fully transitioning its operations from Bethel as part of the move to Atlanta. Once the relocation is complete, Duracell will no longer maintain a ‘physical’ presence in Bethel,” Duracell's spokesperson told Bisnow in an email. “Duracell is working closely with its employees to ensure a smooth transition.”
The spokesperson said the move will allow the company to consolidate and expand its research, development and technical operations in a central location. Duracell, which is owned by Berkshire Hathway, put its 310K SF building in Bethel on the market in December but was still hiring for roles in the city, CT Insider reported.
“As they make Science Square their new home, Duracell strengthens our region’s powerful reputation as a hub for innovation and furthers Georgia's growing battery ecosystem,” Metro Atlanta Chamber CEO Katie Kirkpatrick said in a news release.
Duracell, which manufactures alkaline, lithium coin and other batteries, already operates a facility in LaGrange with 400 workers and a battery plant in Fairburn that employs 275.
“This move is a significant milestone for Duracell as we continue to drive innovation in battery technology for many years to come,” Duracell Chief Technology Officer Liben Hailu said in a statement.
Duracell is the third tenant to set up shop at Science Square Labs at 101 Nerem St., which was delivered last year and developed in a joint venture between CBRE subsidiary Trammell Crow and Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, an affiliate of Georgia Tech.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture leased 11K SF in November, and venture capital lab operator Portal Innovations has 33K SF on the building's 10th floor.
A Trammell Crow representative declined to comment.
John Soper, assistant director of statewide projects for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, spearheaded incentive talks with Invest Atlanta, Select Fulton, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Power and the University System of Georgia. The incentives Duracell received for its move to Science Square weren't disclosed.
UPDATE, FEB. 19, 12:15 P.M. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and commentary from Duracell's spokesperson.
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