Behind every major economic advancement is a story of strategy, collaboration, and vision. For Chattanooga, Novonix’s decision to invest $1 billion in expanding its battery manufacturing operations was far more than a business deal. It was the result of years of thoughtful groundwork aimed at positioning the Scenic City as a hub for innovation, education, and job creation. The Chamber played a critical role in bridging partners, aligning resources, and helping turn this opportunity into reality. Here is an inside look at the key moments that brought this deal to life-
A Vision Takes Root- April 2018
In April 2018, the Chattanooga Chamber hosted a luncheon at the INC/BDC to introduce Novonix to key stakeholders, including TVA officials and state leaders from the Department of Economic and Community Development. The goal of this was to showcase Chattanooga’s strengths and explore the potential for Novonix, to build a major manufacturing facility here in the city.
Site Readiness Investment- 2020
A pivotal yet often unseen part of economic development is preparing sites to attract top-tier employers. In 2020, the Chamber’s Director of Economic Development, Lindsay Hiatt, led the successful effort to secure a $350,000 grant from TVA to support due diligence for what would eventually become the Novonix expansion site. With the county matching the funds, this investment enabled crucial site development work to be done including engineering design, permits, boundary surveys, natural resource services, geotechnical investigation, and environmental assessments. By investing in site readiness, the Chamber ensured that the property was prepared, making it more appealing to Novonix. Industrial site development is a key component to the Chambers Climbs Higher strategic plan and showcases how proactive investment in infrastructure is critical to long-term economic success.
Laying the Groundwork- March 2021
As interest continued to spark, key Chamber individuals, Charles Wood, President and CEO, and Steve Hiatt, Director of Existing Business Development, began drafting an incentive offer to seal the deal.
A Major Milestone- November 2021
By November of 2021, Novonix had officially broken ground on its Big Blue facility along Riverfront Parkway, with a grand opening led by the U.S. Secretary of Energy. This milestone signified more than just a new facility; it marked the beginning of Chattanooga becoming a key player in the growing battery industry.
Strengthening Connections- 2022
Throughout 2022, the Chamber continued to drive collaboration. In February, Steve Hiatt facilitated a strategic meeting between Novonix’s HR team and the local workforce development office, addressing workforce needs and ensuring the company had access to the talent required for its ambitious growth plans. Later in the year, meetings between the Chamber, local leaders, and Novonix executives solidified the project’s future.
Building Community Impact- October 2022
The Chamber played a role in connecting Novonix with local education systems. In October 2022, the grand opening of the Battery Tech Institute at Lookout Valley High School, co-hosted by Novonix and the Chamber, symbolized the community’s commitment to advancing education and innovation in the region.
Momentum Continues- 2023 & 2024
Through 2023 and 2024, the Chamber stayed at the forefront of the project, facilitating key updates on property status, utilities, and other logistical needs. In December 2024, the Chamber helped coordinate the announcement that Novonix would expand its manufacturing operations, investing $1 billion and creating 500 new jobs in the Chattanooga area.
The Big Final Push- January to March 2025
As the project approached its final stages, the Chamber worked diligently to secure approval for a local tax incentive package, facilitating public hearings and presentations with the Chattanooga City Council, Hamilton County Commission, and Industrial Development Board. Ultimately, local officials came together to ensure the success of this expansion project and bring 500 new, high paying jobs to the region.
Looking Ahead- Blueprint for Future Growth
Novonix’s expansion is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration. The partnership between the Chamber and Novonix showcases how opportunities spark and fuel economic development, putting Chattanooga in a position to succeed.
