Nova Scotia battery company gets $2.4 million federal loan to help expansion

SPRINGHILL, N.S. – A Nova Scotia battery company is getting a $2.4-million federal loan to help it with an expansion of its production facility.

Surrette Battery Company Ltd., Canada’s only manufacturer of deep cycle lead-acid batteries, is embarking on a 25,000-square-foot expansion that will see it incorporate advanced technologies into its production line.

The move will allow the company to create up to 18 full-time positions at its Springhill, N.S., plant.

The federal funding will be funnelled through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The company is also in line for a $1.2-million innovation rebate from Nova Scotia Business Inc., once it installs its equipment.

Surrette Battery employs 82 people and was recently awarded a contract to supply up to 60,000 batteries a year, for a minimum of five years, to export markets in Germany, Italy and France.

The company’s batteries are used in the marine, railroad, renewable energy and motive power industries.