Eighty years of innovation—and still going.
As a young man in the 1920s, Gordon Battelle believed that science, technology, and the desire to “make inventions” could improve lives, make industry more competitive, and change the world for the better. Gordon did not live to see his conviction realized. But the company that he envisioned and provided for in his will has thrived for 80 years, making Gordon’s ideas a reality for governments, organizations, and businesses around the world today.
Throughout the decades, Gordon’s rich legacy has inspired the growth of Battelle. The business began in 1929 with just a few machine shops and foundries offering critical materials research to the U.S. iron and steel industries. Today, Battelle is the world’s largest independent research and development organization providing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing needs. Battelle also actively gives to enhance our communities and support tomorrow’s leaders through the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education worldwide.
Battelle oversees 22,000 employees in more than 130 national and international locations. We manage or co-manage seven national laboratories for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and one international nuclear laboratory in the United Kingdom. We conduct $6.2 billion in global R&D annually, serving some of the largest corporations in the world, hundreds of federal, state, and local government agencies, and private sector customers and partners.
Our management expertise, science and technology assets, and long history of R&D success benefit not only the customers and partners we serve, but also the communities where we work. In the decades to come, Battelle will continue to promote and champion science and technology as a catalyst for positive change.
Link to Battelle's Interactive Timeline
Read more about Battelle's history (PDF version)