Appearing at Saft Manufacturing Plant in Jacksonville, Governor Rick Scott Calls for STEM Teacher Residency Program

JACKSONVILLE – Saft, a designer and manufacturer of high-tech industrial batteries, hosted Governor Rick Scott on Tuesday at its Jacksonville manufacturing plant where the state’s chief executive expressed his commitment to strengthening Florida’s manufacturing base. Gov. Scott highlighted proposed funding in Florida’s budget to partner with high-tech companies like Saft to create a paid summer residency program for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) teachers. The goal of the program is to bring new industry trends back to Florida’s K-12 classrooms.

Governor Scott selected Saft as the site for today’s appearance to acknowledge the company’s leadership in technology innovation, worker training and education initiatives. Saft is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of next-generation batteries and Energy Storage Systems used in industrial, military, aerospace, transportation and power grid applications. Saft’s 235,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Jacksonville is the most advanced, automated lithium-ion battery factory in the world.

First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA), serving the greater Jacksonville area, has formally recognized Saft in recent years for achievements in workforce education, environmental sustainability and economic impact. Saft has been a top three finalist for FCMA Manufacturer of the Year for two consecutive years, and was named 2014 International Company of the Year by the JAXUSA Partnership, northeast Florida's regional economic development initiative.

”We are proud to have been chosen by Governor Scott for today’s event,“ said Thomas Alcide, President of Saft America. ”As a leader in the manufacturing community in northeast Florida, Saft will continue to champion the educational initiatives and technical innovations needed to rebuild American manufacturing and bring jobs back home.“

Governor Scott’s address will focus on the importance of STEM education in Florida and paid summer residency programs placing STEM teachers at high-tech companies, in which Saft and partner companies in northeast Florida, including Embraer and Lockheed Martin, have agreed to participate.

The Governor previously announced his support for favorable tax conditions for manufacturers as key components to building a diverse industrial base and creating new jobs. He has also rallied support for $20 million in funding for a rapid response grant for technical centers across Florida to create programs in response to Florida’s workforce needs that enable students to get jobs in high-skill, high-wage careers.

In addition, the Governor seeks to eliminate corporate income tax for manufacturers and make permanent the 2013 law that eliminated the sales tax on capital equipment for manufacturers, which is due to expire. Supporters of the Governor’s proposals representing the manufacturing sector in Florida assert that the industry has played a key role in Florida’s recent economic growth, citing the need for policies that will help restore manufacturing jobs in U.S.

Left to right: Chris Kaniut, General Manager of Saft, Gov. Rick Scott, Thomas Alcide, President of Saft America

About Saft
Saft is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics’ markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defense batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More than 4,000 employees in 18 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.