Pittsburg, KS – The City of Pittsburg is proud to announce a significant economic and industrial development milestone with the expansion of EaglePicher Technologies, a longtime leader in high-performance battery technology and a valued partner in the Pittsburg community. The company will break ground on a new, 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility on Tuesday, July 8, at 10 a.m., steps away from the Pittsburg State University campus.
This new facility, dedicated to the production of critical components for EaglePicher’s batteries and energetic devices, represents a significant investment in Pittsburg’s economy and workforce. The expansion is expected to create 40 new jobs, including 30 hourly positions, as well as 10 salaried positions. In total, more than 50 new jobs will be created in Pittsburg, exceeding the average wage in the area.
“We are excited to announce the addition of a new, state-of-the-art facility in Pittsburg, Kansas, to supply key components used in the manufacture of our batteries and energetic devices,” said Ron Nowlin, Senior Vice President of Defense Systems at EaglePicher. “This facility will be a captive production facility to EaglePicher and will create a second source production location that will improve supply chain resilience and support the increasing demand for our products. We really appreciate the support we’ve received from the state of Kansas and the City of Pittsburg.”
EaglePicher, which opened its first Pittsburg facility in the City’s northeast industrial park in 2005, currently employs about 70 workers producing thermal batteries. The company also has plans to add a second shift to that facility, creating an additional dozen jobs in the near future.
The construction of the new building will be funded through general obligation bonds issued by the City of Pittsburg, with a total project cost (including bonds, interest, and fees) estimated at $8 million. Importantly, no taxpayer dollars will be used: EaglePicher and its parent company, Tuthill Corporation, will guarantee the bonds, and EaglePicher will also be responsible for property taxes on the building.
“The City is excited to continue our partnership with EaglePicher with the development of their new facility in Pittsburg,” said City Manager Daron Hall. “EaglePicher has been an important employer and partner in the past, and with this new opportunity, we will continue to provide important jobs and create valuable products going forward. We thank the entire EaglePicher team for their confidence and investment in Pittsburg.”
Construction will be managed by EaglePicher, Project Manager Greg Kirk, with Branco Enterprises of Neosho, Missouri, serving as the general contractor.