Duracell Opens $56 Million Global Innovation Center for R&D in Atlanta’s Science Square
Duracell, one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, has officially opened its new Global Innovation Center for Research and Development at Science Square Labs in Atlanta, Georgia. The new 83,000-square-foot facility represents a $56 million investment and is expected to create approximately 120 jobs, further strengthening Atlanta’s position as a growing hub for technology, research, and innovation.
The new center is designed to serve as a central hub for Duracell’s global battery technology innovation network. It brings together scientists, engineers, researchers, and cross-functional teams under one roof with the goal of accelerating the development of new battery technologies from the initial research stage through commercialization.
The facility’s opening was marked by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from the State of Georgia, the City of Atlanta, Georgia Tech, and Duracell. The event celebrated the company’s latest investment in the region while highlighting the importance of collaboration among industry, government, and academic institutions in driving economic and technological growth.
“Georgia has been a vital home for Duracell for decades, and expanding our footprint into Science Square was a natural next step in that partnership,” said Roberto Mendez, Chief Executive Officer at Duracell. “By positioning our teams within a thriving innovation ecosystem, we are giving our world-class R&D organization the platform, technology and collaborative environment they need to power the future.”
Strengthening Atlanta’s Innovation Ecosystem
Located at 101 Nerem Street NW, adjacent to Georgia Tech, the new Global Innovation Center is strategically positioned in Atlanta’s West Midtown area. Its location is intended to provide Duracell with direct access to a strong pipeline of scientific and engineering talent while encouraging collaboration with universities, research organizations, and other technology-focused companies.
The facility also connects Duracell’s existing operations across Georgia. The company’s LaGrange manufacturing plant and Fairburn distribution center are now linked with the new Atlanta research and development hub, creating an integrated network that spans research, manufacturing, and distribution within the state.
According to Duracell, this end-to-end network will support greater collaboration and help accelerate the company’s ability to move innovations from laboratory research into production and eventually to consumers.
“The strategic placement of our new facility allows us to tap into a rich pipeline of diverse talent coming from Georgia Tech and neighboring research institutions,” said Liben Hailu, Chief Technology Officer at Duracell. “We look forward to welcoming the next generation of scientists and engineers to the Duracell team as we push the boundaries of energy technology right here in Atlanta.”
The investment also highlights Duracell’s long-standing relationship with Georgia. By establishing its global R&D headquarters in Atlanta, the company is expanding its presence beyond manufacturing and distribution to create a dedicated center focused on future battery technologies and innovation.
A Purpose-Built Research and Development Facility
The new Global Innovation Center was developed by Trammell Crow Company in partnership with Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, an affiliate of Georgia Tech. Partners Real Estate represented Duracell during the transaction, while CBRE represented Trammell Crow Company.
The complex tenant fit-out required extensive planning and specialized construction work to accommodate the technical requirements of a modern battery research facility. The design and construction team included Perkins&Will, AHA Consulting Engineers, Walter P Moore, and Brasfield & Gorrie.
The facility incorporates specialized infrastructure designed to support Duracell’s research and development activities. Among the challenges involved in the project were the installation of specialized dry-room systems and the relocation of hundreds of pieces of owner-furnished equipment across multiple floors.
“An R&D lab build-out of this scale touches nearly every system in a building and requires every one of them to be exactly right,” said Scott Cooper, Vice President and Division Manager at Brasfield & Gorrie. “From specialized dry room systems to relocating hundreds of pieces of owner-furnished equipment across floors, the complexity was real. This kind of space directly supports Duracell’s work in Atlanta and beyond, and we’re glad our team could deliver that for them.”
The specialized nature of the facility reflects the increasingly important role that advanced research plays in the battery industry. As demand for reliable and efficient energy solutions continues to grow, companies are investing heavily in research facilities and technical talent to improve battery performance and develop new technologies.
Expanding Duracell’s Global Innovation Network
Duracell’s Atlanta investment is part of the company’s broader commitment to research, innovation, and the development of next-generation battery technologies. The new center will bring together teams with different areas of expertise, enabling researchers and engineers to work collaboratively on projects intended to improve battery technology and address evolving consumer and commercial needs.
The facility is also expected to play an important role in attracting new scientific and engineering talent to Duracell. Its proximity to Georgia Tech gives the company an opportunity to engage with students, researchers, and graduates while strengthening connections with Atlanta’s broader technology and academic communities.
The opening comes as Atlanta continues to develop its reputation as an important center for research, technology, and innovation. Science Square, where Duracell’s new facility is located, is a major component of that development.
Science Square’s Growing Role in Atlanta
Science Square is an 18-acre, multi-phase mixed-use innovation district located next to Georgia Tech’s Midtown Atlanta campus. The development is planned to include approximately 1.8 million square feet of laboratory and office space, along with 500 residential units and 25,000 square feet of retail space.
Science Square Labs, the first phase of the district, provides approximately 364,000 rentable square feet of purpose-built laboratory and creative office space. The development is designed to bring together researchers, technology companies, entrepreneurs, and other organizations within a collaborative environment.
Duracell’s new Global Innovation Center adds a major corporate research and development presence to the district, reinforcing Science Square’s role as a destination for advanced research and technology-focused businesses.
A Long-Term Investment in Innovation
With a $56 million investment, 120 expected new jobs, and an 83,000-square-foot research facility, Duracell’s expansion represents a significant addition to Atlanta’s technology and innovation landscape.
The company’s decision to establish its global R&D center in Science Square also demonstrates the growing importance of partnerships between corporations and academic institutions. By locating near Georgia Tech and within a dedicated innovation district, Duracell aims to create an environment where research, talent, and industry can work together more closely.
Founded in the 1920s, Duracell has grown into a globally recognized battery brand. The company was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in 2016 and remains a major player in the primary battery market in North America. Its products power a wide range of everyday devices, helping consumers stay connected, entertained, and protected.
The opening of the Atlanta innovation center marks another milestone in Duracell’s long history while establishing a new platform for its future research and development efforts. As the company continues to invest in technology and talent, its new Atlanta facility is expected to play a key role in shaping the next generation of battery innovation.
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