Edgecombe County, North Carolina, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Natron Energy, a California-based company, announced it is ceasing operations on September 3, 2025, impacting North Carolina’s economy. The planned $1.4 billion gigafactory in Edgecombe County was expected to create over 1,000 jobs but faced financial challenges leading to the shutdown. The closure is a significant setback for local job creation and clean energy initiatives in the region, following previous failed manufacturing projects.
North Carolina faces an economic setback as California-based Natron Energy announced the cessation of its operations on September 3, 2025. The company had ambitious plans to establish a $1.4 billion gigafactory in Edgecombe County, intended to create over 1,000 jobs with an average salary of $64,071. The proposed factory was expected to bring a remarkable $3.4 billion injection into North Carolina’s economy over the next 12 years. Despite securing an incentive package approved by state officials valued at up to $56.3 million, financial challenges led to the company’s downfall.
Natron Energy primarily specialized in the production of industrial sodium-ion batteries, which are noted for their advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including higher power density and enhanced safety features. Unfortunately, the company struggled to attract additional funding or sales, which ultimately prompted the shutdown of its operations, including facilities in Holland, Michigan, and Santa Clara, California. Approximately 95 employees were laid off due to these closures, with the Holland facility operating with only 37 employees before its close.
The decision to halt operations was confirmed after Natron’s board reported an inability to raise sufficient capital to manage its operating expenses and working capital requirements. Although the company had booked $25 million in orders, it faced significant delays in obtaining certification from Underwriters Laboratory, which prevented it from accessing the necessary revenue.
The closure is deemed a significant economic blow to the Rocky Mount area, which had been counting on job creation from the factory. North Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce expressed disappointment regarding the company’s inability to proceed, emphasizing the potential for job creation in the clean energy sector.
This failure marks another setback for the Kingsboro site in Edgecombe County, which had previously seen plans from Chinese tire maker Triangle Tyre to set up a manufacturing facility that promised 800 jobs also fall through. Natron Energy’s plans were viewed as pivotal for supporting clean energy initiatives in the state, aligning with North Carolina’s commitment to sustainability.
No financial incentives had been disbursed from the approved package, as companies typically must meet specific hiring and investment targets before receiving state grants. Despite this loss, economic developers maintain an optimistic perspective on the Kingsboro megasite, which is recognized as one of the top industrial prospects in the country.
Key Details about Natron Energy’s Closure
- Closure Date: September 3, 2025
- Planned Factory Cost: $1.4 billion
- Projected Job Creation: Over 1,000 jobs
- Average Salary: $64,071
- Economic Impact: $3.4 billion over 12 years
- Incentive Package Value: Up to $56.3 million
- Layoffs: Approximately 95 employees
Background Information
Natron Energy was established to produce sodium-ion batteries, which were seen as a safer and more efficient alternative to lithium-ion batteries widely used today. The technology was intended to support the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. The envisioned Edgecombe County gigafactory was one of the most significant economic development projects in the eastern part of North Carolina in recent years, targeting not only job creation but also the promotion of green technology in the region.
Future Prospects
Despite the recent setbacks, the Kingsboro megasite continues to be regarded as a premier location for future industrial projects. Economic developers remain hopeful that it will eventually attract new businesses that contribute positively to the community and the state’s economy.
FAQ
What company announced the closure of operations?
Natron Energy, a California-based company, announced it ceased operations.
Where was the planned gigafactory located?
The planned gigafactory was set to be built in Edgecombe County, North Carolina.
How many jobs was the factory expected to create?
The factory was expected to create over 1,000 jobs.
What type of batteries does Natron Energy produce?
Natron Energy specialized in producing industrial sodium-ion batteries.
What factors contributed to the closure of Natron Energy?
The closure was primarily due to financial challenges and unsuccessful efforts to secure additional funding and sales.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- News Observer: Natron Energy Closure
- Carolina Journal: Energy Company Closure
- WRAL: Natron Closes Shop
- Wikipedia: Sodium-ion Battery
- Google Search: Natron Energy
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
