Batteries Plus, a leading U.S. battery services franchise with over 730 multi-unit service centers spanning 49 states, has reiterated its mission to provide essential infrastructure support for key industries ranging from transportation and municipal services to healthcare and education. The Hartland, Wisconsin-based company, privately held but viewed as a significant player in the commercial energy and parts replacement segment, emphasized that its operational model is engineered to keep critical services running while reducing dependence on global supply chain risks, particularly from China.
Why Batteries Plus is vital to U.S. infrastructure
Batteries Plus’ CEO Scott Williams has positioned the brand as a hybrid between a retailer and a service provider. While consumers may recognize Batteries Plus for its retail presence, the company’s fastest-growing segment is its B2B services. A third of its revenue is now derived from business-to-business contracts, with clients including the New York Transit Authority, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and numerous universities and healthcare institutions. This evolution reflects a larger shift in the U.S. economy where domestic service resilience, particularly for energy storage and device repair, has become critical to operational uptime.
Historically, battery supply chains have been heavily dependent on imports from Asia, particularly China, which accounts for a large share of global battery manufacturing. However, geopolitical tensions and tariffs have driven American companies to seek localized and diversified sourcing. Batteries Plus has proactively reduced its China-sourced materials from 32% to just 4%, positioning itself as a domestic alternative for clients facing global logistics challenges. This strategy aligns with a broader industry trend, as companies like EnerSys (NYSE: ENS) and Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) have also scaled up North American operations to meet growing demand.
Service-first strategy with a national footprint
Batteries Plus operates on a service-first model, providing diagnostics, battery installation, device repair, and recycling solutions all under one roof. Each franchise location is deeply embedded in its local community, often servicing critical infrastructure such as emergency vehicle fleets, fire panels, and HVAC control systems. Jon Sica, Chief Operating Officer, described the company’s mission succinctly: “Service industries don’t pause, and neither do we. We built our footprint to serve the people who keep America working.”
From supplying large-format vehicle batteries for municipal fleets to providing small but vital repairs like key fob replacements, Batteries Plus covers an unusually broad spectrum of services. This combination of hyperlocal accessibility with a national network gives the company a competitive edge over pure-play retailers and online marketplaces.
Sectoral diversification drives growth
The company’s portfolio includes partnerships with sectors such as healthcare, emergency services, commercial transportation, education, and even hospitality. For instance, universities and school districts rely on Batteries Plus for maintaining fire safety systems, access controls, and student device batteries. In the HVAC and electrical contracting space, technicians often source parts directly from Batteries Plus locations while en route to job sites, ensuring zero downtime.
Batteries Plus also serves niche but critical needs. For example, its recycling services are increasingly vital for industries under pressure to meet ESG (environmental, social, and governance) benchmarks. By recovering and repurposing critical materials, the company not only supports sustainability goals but also mitigates the risk of supply shortages.
Financial performance and B2B traction
Although Batteries Plus is privately owned and does not disclose full financials, industry estimates suggest the company has achieved annual revenues in the mid-nine-figure range, bolstered by its franchise model and recurring B2B contracts. Analysts tracking the commercial battery and energy storage segment estimate that B2B services now represent a multi-billion-dollar addressable market, particularly as fleet electrification accelerates.
Batteries Plus’ strategy is similar to the vertical integration seen in the energy storage divisions of larger conglomerates like Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) and Panasonic Holdings (TYO: 6752), though the company differentiates itself with localized, small-format service solutions. Franchise development has been a key revenue driver, with Chief Development Officer Joe Malmuth noting that operational problem-solving, rather than trend-driven product sales, defines the company’s appeal to both franchisees and customers.
Historical context: the repair-over-replace trend
The company’s success also reflects a macroeconomic shift toward repair-over-replace strategies, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. In recent years, inflation and rising interest rates have forced both businesses and consumers to prioritize maintenance and longevity over outright replacement of electronics and industrial equipment. Batteries Plus, with its expertise in diagnostics and repair, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend.
This movement echoes patterns from the 2008 financial crisis, when service-focused companies like AutoZone (NYSE: AZO) and O’Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY) saw increased demand as consumers opted for repairs over new purchases. Batteries Plus is experiencing a similar tailwind today, further amplified by sustainability concerns and regulatory pushes to minimize electronic waste.
Expert sentiment and market positioning
Industry observers note that Batteries Plus’ ability to secure contracts with public institutions and critical infrastructure operators underscores its credibility as a reliable service partner. Analysts suggest that the company’s pivot toward B2B services could make it a potential acquisition target for larger industrial parts suppliers or private equity firms seeking to consolidate service-driven retail chains.
The company’s national reach, combined with its localized service model, provides a competitive moat that online retailers like Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) cannot easily replicate. As more businesses prioritize immediate, hands-on service, Batteries Plus could see further expansion into underserved markets or even adjacent product categories such as renewable energy storage solutions.
What’s next for Batteries Plus?
Looking ahead, Batteries Plus aims to expand its footprint beyond its current 49-state coverage, with the goal of establishing locations in every U.S. state by 2026. The company is also exploring advanced energy solutions, including higher-capacity lithium-ion systems for commercial fleets and potential partnerships with EV infrastructure providers. Given the rapid electrification of U.S. transportation—spurred by federal incentives and corporate fleet transitions—Batteries Plus is well-positioned to become a critical supplier for charging station maintenance and EV battery services.
CEO Scott Williams has hinted at increased investment in workforce training and digital infrastructure to enhance customer experience, such as real-time inventory tracking and predictive maintenance scheduling. Analysts believe that aligning with the U.S. government’s push for domestic energy resilience could unlock new growth channels, including federal and state-level contracts for backup power systems in public facilities.
Moreover, the company’s commitment to reducing reliance on China positions it favorably as trade tensions persist. By sourcing recycled and domestically manufactured materials, Batteries Plus is not only safeguarding its supply chain but also contributing to a broader national push for economic self-reliance in critical technologies. With over 250 franchise owners and a growing network of B2B power experts, the brand’s ability to scale while maintaining quality will be a key factor in its continued success.
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