By JIM FARIS

Clarios, a manufacturer of low-voltage battery technology already established in Saint Joseph, is set to spend to the tune of $400 million in the city, as part of an expansion effort that will also bring as many as 123 jobs, as announced in a release Wednesday.

The move is part of a larger effort to accommodate increased demand for batteries in the future, by expanding production of absorbent glass mats, a component for lead-acid batteries. The push will also bolster domestic production, avoiding the tariffs of foreign manufacturing.

In a joint press release with the Saint Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Clarios’ President of U.S. and Canadian business, Marc Andraca, said “We’re proud of our investments in St. Joseph and what it means to our workers and this community, and for the future we’re building together,” and added “This is exactly the kind of collaboration that fuels growth for decades to come and we look forward to continuing this strong partnership.”

The City of St. Joseph and Evergy provided incentives to make the investment possible, as disclosed in the press release.