HOLLAND, MI — A California-based battery startup is shutting down its Michigan operations after running out of cash. Natron Energy in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice dated Aug. 28 said it will shut down both of its facilities in Holland and Santa Clara, Calif., terminating a total of 95 employees, MLive reported. 

Of that number, 37 employees at the Holland plant at 70 W. 48th St. will be permanently laid off effective Sept. 3, according to the notice.

None of the employees are represented by a union or have bumping rights.

The Federal WARN Act requires businesses to provide advance notice – at least 60 days – in cases of qualified plant closings and mass layoffs.

Natron wrote that, until Aug. 27, it believed it could secure the capital and commercial business needed to avoid or at least postpone the closure.
The company also argued that providing a full 60 days’ notice would have precluded it from securing those funding sources because the most likely sources of financing would require the continued operation of the facilities with an uninterrupted workforce.
“However, on August 27, 2025, Natron’s board of directors determined that Natron’s efforts to raise sufficient new funding were unsuccessful, having failed to result in sufficient funding proceeds to cover the required additional working capital and operational expenses of the business required to support execution of any purchase orders received by Natron,” the notice read.
Read the rest of the story at MLive

Final Thoughts:

Even promising battery technologies can struggle without steady funding and commercial backing. While it’s disappointing to see potential innovation stall, this closure also highlights the importance of stronger financial support for emerging energy solutions.

Explore more articles on manufacturing trends, EV infrastructure, and startup developments at mitechnews.com

FAQs:

1. Why is Natron Energy closing its Holland plant?

Natron Energy ran out of funding and was unable to secure the capital needed to continue operations, leading its board of directors to decide on closing both its Michigan and California facilities.

2. Does this shutdown affect the future of next-generation battery technology?

While Natron’s closure is a setback, it doesn’t signal the end for innovative battery technologies. Other companies in the sector are still growing, and Natron’s technology may be acquired or revived under a new investor.