Electrical Components Manufacturers
East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries)
Temple, Texas
- Manufacturer
- Founded 1946
- 10,500+ employees
- Family-owned
About East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries)
East Penn Manufacturing, a private, family-owned company, was founded in 1946 by Air Force veteran DeLight Breidegam Jr. and his father, DeLight Sr., in a one-room creamery in Bowers, Pennsylvania. The business began by rebuilding used batteries to meet post-war demand from returning GIs. In 1947, Karl Gasche joined as a partner, and the Deka brand—derived from "DeLight" and "Karl"—was born. Today the company operates a major battery finishing and distribution plant in Temple, Texas, alongside what it describes as the world's largest single-site lead battery manufacturing facility. East Penn produces lead-acid batteries for automotive, industrial, motive power, transportation, and reserve power (UPS, telecommunications, renewable energy) applications. Its product portfolio spans 515 designs, supported by vertically integrated operations that include wire and cable manufacturing, battery accessories, and custom solutions. The company reports over 10,500 full-time employees worldwide and operates through divisions such as Motive Power, Transportation, Reserve Power, and Wire & Cable, as well as subsidiaries including Navitas Systems (lithium technology), MK Battery, East Penn Canada, and East Penn International. Customers span automotive OEMs, material-handling equipment makers, commercial truck fleets, telecommunications providers, and renewable-energy integrators. The company has been recognized by Honda and John Deere for supplier sustainability, and its batteries serve applications ranging from lift trucks and commercial vehicles to critical backup power for data centers and outside plant. The founding principle of putting customers and employees first remains central, reinforced by an integrated quality and environmental management system. East Penn emphasizes pollution prevention, waste reduction, and compliance with global standards, holding multiple internationally recognized certifications. A $110 million expansion announced for the Texas facility in 2026 underscores continued investment in domestic capacity.
Manufacturing capabilities
Industries served
- Automotive
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Backup power/UPS
- Material handling
- Transportation
- Telecommunications
- Renewable energy
- Motive power
- Reserve power
Company details
- Location
- Temple, Texas
- Company type
- Manufacturer
- Employees
- 10,500+
- Founded
- 1946
- Ownership
- Family-owned
- Listed under
Frequently asked questions
Where is East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries) located?
East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries) is located at Temple, Texas.
What does East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries) do?
East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries) is listed under Electrical Components Manufacturers, and its listed capabilities and products include Battery finishing, Distribution, Wire and cable manufacturing, Battery accessory production, Custom battery solutions and Motive power battery production.
What industries does East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries) serve?
East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries) lists Automotive, Industrial, Commercial, Backup power/UPS and Material handling among the industries it serves.
When was East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries) founded?
East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries) was founded in 1946 and has 10,500+ employees.
How do I request a quote from East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries)?
Use the Request a quote button on this page to send East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries) your requirements through FirmsLedger, or visit eastpennmanufacturing.com.
What companies are similar to East Penn Manufacturing Co. (Deka Batteries)?
Other Electrical Components Manufacturers in Texas listed on FirmsLedger include National Circuit Assembly, ACME Electronics and Mouser Electronics.