A French company celebrated the opening Thursday afternoon of its first North American facility that will manufacture electric vehicles in Hilliard.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Forsee Power company and other Ohio an French government officials smiled for the dozens of smartphones hoisted by audience members as the commemorative ribbon cutting was held inside the manufacturing facility, which was first announce in 2022. About 150 new jobs are being created.
Forsee Power founder, chairman and CEO Christophe Gurtner said the company started to expand into the United States in recent years amid higher demand in the American market for more electric vehicles.
This is the first facility Forsee is opening in the U.S., and also serves as its North American headquarters.
The company manufactures batteries for small and large vehicles. Vehicles with batteries from the company, including a lawn mower and go-kart, were on display around the room.
DeWine’s administration has announced some grants for electric vehicle charging — the first federally funded EV charger opened in 2021 in London, Madiscon County .