GrafTech International of Parma, perhaps best-known for its energizer battery, has 125 years of technological innovation and manufacturing to its credit.
But it's the future that most interest Senator Sherrod Brown, who toured the facility Monday morning.
GrafTech International currently contributes technology to the lithium ion cells that power the GM Volt, Nissan Leaf and future electric cars, and it's just received two Department of Energy grants to pursue development of its patented graphite and carbon-based products.
Brown says Ohio is among the most successful states in bringing government resources to alternative energy development.
SENATOR SHERROD BROWN:
"There've been more clean energy jobs in Ohio created as a result of the Recovery Act, the stimulus package than any state in the country."
Much of GrafTech's cutting edge work, designed and engineered in Parma, is produced at a plant in Lakewood.
Brown's enthusiasm for clean energy development is shared by many democrats, and even some Republicans support a proposal requiring that utilities produce 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources ten years from now. But others vehemently disagree with major portions of energy bills introduced by Democrats last week.
Brown believes the resistance to alternative energy proposals is purely political.
BROWN:
"Put it this way - the influence of the oil industry is far too great in our government. President Obama is trying to break that stranglehold. We're not there yet, but we're making progress."
And, he says, the work at Graf Tech is part of that progress. He says the next major power push for Ohio - will likely be wind farms in Lake Erie.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
