Pure Lithium Corp., a vertically integrated lithium metal battery technology company, officially opened its new headquarters in Chicago's Fulton Market district on Tuesday, marking a milestone in its transition from pure research and development to scaling up for commercial production. The company will build a pilot production line at the 21,000-square-foot facility at 400 N. Aberdeen St. to advance its vertically integrated Brine to Battery technology.
"Today marks an inflection point for Pure Lithium," said Founder, Chairman and CEO Emilie Bodoin. "After four and a half years of research and development and building up a portfolio of more than 128 patents and patent applications, we are now laser focused on rapidly growing the business and moving from the lab to market in the fastest, most capital-efficient manner possible."
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded Pure Lithium an incentive package valued at $8.5 million, including a Reimaging Electric Vehicles (REV) agreement worth $4.4 million. REV provides competitive incentives for manufacturers in the EV and renewables sectors to expand or relocate to Illinois.
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth praised the move: "Supporting domestic renewable manufacturing benefits us all in so many ways — we’re creating jobs, strengthening our national security and building a more sustainable, safer and healthier world. I’m pleased to welcome Pure Lithium to Chicago and their work manufacturing our state’s first commercially viable lithium metal battery."
Chicago's infrastructure and qualified workforce give Pure Lithium resources needed as it shifts to production. By the time the company moves from pilot facilities to full-scale production, its roots will be established in the Illinois ecosystem. Illinois State Senator Lakesia Collins called the addition "a real foundation for growth and security for generations to come."
Lisa Clemmons-Stott, Senior Economic Advisor at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, said on behalf of Governor J.B. Pritzker: "Illinois has established itself as a premier destination for businesses to locate and expand, and Pure Lithium’s decision to relocate from Boston to Chicago – making a significant investment and bringing 50 new jobs – is a true testament to that."
Pure Lithium is advancing toward the world’s first commercially viable lithium metal battery, targeting drone and defense, grid-scale energy storage, consumer electronics, and electric vehicle markets. Its patented Brine to Battery technology combines lithium metal extraction and battery anode production, dramatically streamlining battery production. The batteries offer double the energy density of today's lithium-ion batteries.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the significance: "Your investment here is deeply meaningful to our communities. With our city’s world-class workforce, renowned universities and proximity to national labs, I know that Pure Lithium will continue to thrive here."
