Hexagon Purus announces new manufacturing facility for composite battery packs, hydrogen fuel storage systems

With the goal to drive energy transformation through zero-emission mobility solutions, Hexagon Purus (Alesund, Norway) has begun construction of a new manufacturing facility for battery packs and composite hydrogen storage systems in Kelowna, Canada. This is expected to bring more than 100 new skilled jobs to the city.

On July 5, McKay Property Group broke ground on the new micro-factory, a 60,000-square-foot highly automated facility to house the production of battery packs and hydrogen fuel storage systems for medium- and heavy-duty battery and fuel cell electric commercial vehicles. “We are thrilled to bring this project to life, welcoming a future-oriented and environmentally conscious company like Hexagon Purus to expand its business in Kelowna,” says Steve McKay, CEO of McKay Property Group.

Hexagon Purus, a zero-emission electric drivetrain solutions provider for commercial vehicles, is part of the Hexagon Group, said to be one of the largest manufacturers of carbon fiber pressure cylinders and storage systems. Hexagon enables storage, transport and conversion to clean energy in a wide range of mobility, industrial and consumer applications, delivering safe and innovative solutions for a cleaner energy future.

The site will also reportedly serve as a technical center of excellence providing engineering, research and development for Hexagon Purus, as well as its sister company Hexagon Agility, which designs and produces compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel storage systems.

Todd Sloan, president of Hexagon Purus Systems and a long-time Kelowna resident, was one of the founders of the predecessor company of Hexagon Purus and Hexagon Agility, which first opened in Kelowna in 2001. He now leads a Hexagon Purus team that will grow to 150 people by 2024. “Deciding on the site for this world-class facility was an easy choice. Kelowna continues to evolve and grow into a world-class city, allowing us to attract top talent in all areas of our organization,” he says.

The new manufacturing facility is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2022.