Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies since 2016, is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its factory in Valdosta, GA. Since its inauguration in 1975, the site has been able to evolve and adapt to technological challenges to become a key player in the industrial battery sector.

Specialized since the beginning in the manufacture of batteries for critical industrial sectors such as aviation, rail and telecommunications, the Valdosta, GA plant now covers more than 200,000 sq. ft. and employs 228 people on its 64-acre site on Gil Harbin Industrial Boulevard.

Throughout its half-century of history, the site has transformed, modernized, and invested in new ways of working, while at the same time training and upskilling its employees. In the last five years, sales have increased almost 200%, setting the site up for continued future success. 

The Valdosta site is driving automated processes in the factory, adding robotics and automatic guided vehicles to improve safety and efficiency in our daily operations. In addition, installation of digital dashboards have been added throughout the site, supporting clear communication, reducing manual follow-ups, and helping to ensure smooth operations throughout the factory.

Many employees spend their entire careers at Saft in Valdosta. A testament to this fact is the Wall of Fame, displaying on the 15-foot high wall in the hallway entering the production facility and features 29 employee portraits. For an employee to get their photo on the wall, they must have completed 30 years’ service. The combined service time of those on the wall is more than 1,100 years! There are even two employees working there today who have been there since the beginning; LaSaundra Sirmans, a group leader in the Production team and Chip Wildes, Environmental Affairs manager.

To mark this special anniversary, Saft Valdosta organized a Family Day on August 9, 2025, where fun and educational activities were enjoyed by employees and their family members. The mayor, Scott James Matheson, attended and read out an official proclamation. This honor was appreciated by all those who work at Saft.

Joe Hardison, General Manager of Saft's site in Valdosta, GA, said: "It is a great opportunity to be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a site such as Valdosta, GA. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of our employees, Saft Valdosta continues to serve our customers in critical markets, such as aviation, rail, industry and telecommunications. It's nice to see how far we've come with the teams, and we will continue to invest to secure a bright future for our customers.”

The rising importance of decarbonized transportation and clean energy are contributing to the increase in demand for the industrial batteries manufactured by Saft in Valdosta. Their high energy density and longer lifespan are features for which Saft is known as a world leader.