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Board approves tax-credit package for Batten Systems as company plans to scale to 220 workers
Summary
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation approved Qualified Jobs tax credits for Batten Systems, a Bristol-based maker of autonomous marine vehicles that staff said currently employs 36 people and plans to expand to 220 workers within three years. The company asked for flexibility on the eligibility commencement date.
The board approved a Qualified Jobs tax-credit award for Batten Systems after staff described the company's growth plan and workforce targets.
Commerce staff said Batten Systems, which produces autonomous marine vehicles and serves mainly military and search-and-rescue customers, currently employs 36 workers in Bristol and has "made a commitment to scale up to 220 employees after 3 years," according to staff remarks (speaker 4). Staff told the board the company requested flexibility on the eligibility commencement date; they noted the firm's current committed date was 01/01/2026 and recommended allowing the company's requested two-year flexibility standard for young, contract-driven firms. Governor (speaker 1) said the company fit the state's strategy to raise incomes by attracting quality jobs.
Board members asked operational questions about on-site machining and hiring practices, and staff confirmed the company had recently hired an experienced director of manufacturing from an established robotics firm. The board approved the award on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The board action on the Batten proposal was procedural: the motion to approve carried by voice vote and no formal roll-call tally was provided in the transcript. The board did not record any conditions or amendments to the award during the public session.
