Mayor Emanuel Announces Duracell Comes to Chicago

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced that Duracell is establishing its executive offices at 181 West Madison St. in Chicago’s Loop business district. Duracell is the largest consumer battery manufacturer in the world and has grown to be the leader in the single-use battery market in North America. The move will bring the company’s CEO and more than 60 new positions to Chicago.

“With this move Duracell is making their future part of Chicago’s future,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Duracell’s commitment to Chicago speaks volumes about their confidence in Chicago. As a company that relies on innovative research and development, I am confident Duracell will continue to grow and thrive in a city that is leading the way on 21st-century innovation.”

“Duracell is in an exciting period in our company’s history,” Angelo Pantaleo, CEO of Duracell said. “As we look ahead, we will continue to build on our rich past and strong foundation to transform the world’s number-one battery maker into the world’s number-one personal power company. We are pleased to lead that effort from the great city of Chicago, where the city’s business ecosystem, talent, quality of life and far-reaching global connections are first class.”

“Illinois has the hardest working people and best location in the country,” Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said. “It’s wonderful to welcome Duracell to the Land of Lincoln. I look forward to many years of its continued success in Illinois.”

On March 1, 2016, Duracell completed its transformation to an independent company under Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. The company has 2,700 employees globally with manufacturing operations in: Cleveland, Tenn.; LaGrange, Ga.; Lancaster, S.C.; Aarschot, Belgium; and Dongguan, China; and other regional management offices in Geneva, Switzerland; Singapore; West Palm Beach, Fla.; and Bethel, Conn.