Company striving to be
hybrid car hub

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Indianapolis company is looking for federal assistance in order to double production and produce more batteries for hybrid vehicles.

Five months after EnerDel Incorporated announced an expansion at its northeast side facility, the company wants to grow even more. EnerDel makes lithium ion batteries for hybrid and electric cars. Company officials applied for a $480 million low-interest loan. The loan is through a new program intended for U.S. automakers and their suppliers.

Charles Gassenheimer is EnerDel's chairman and CEO.

"We're trying to make Indiana the Silicon Valley to the automotive industry and that's what I think this program is made for," said Gassenheimer. "We strongly believe we qualify for this program and it was written for companies precisely like EnerDel."

If the application is approved, the money would be used for a new facility and more jobs.

"In total, if all applications were to be completed and we're in full-volume production, we're talking about needing a total of 2,000 workers right here in Indiana,” said Gassenheimer.

Gassenheimer said the company needs federal assistance to increase production and remain competitive.

"We have the products to help these car companies retool for the next 10-20 year growth-phase in the automotive industry," said Gassenheimer.

EnerDel currently employs about 150 people. Monday, 12 people were hired at the facility. Gassenheimer said 33 other companies also applied for money under the program.