A123 Systems opening new manufacturing facility in Czech Republic; support for increasing volume of 12V and 48V Li-ion systems
21 March 2016
Li-ion battery manufacturer A123 Systems is expanding its operations in Europe by opening a new manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic city of Ostrava. The opening of the new facility is the result of a substantial surge in European market demand for low-voltage automotive products, a strategic focus of A123.
This European location will establish regional assembly of A123’s advanced 12V Lithium-ion starter battery and next-generation 48V battery and cost effectively support the growing market demand.
The system assembly capacity in phase one of the factory will exceed 600,000 units per year and the company expects to reach this level of production in the next few years based on business it has already been awarded.
With the assistance of CzechInvest, A123 will open the manufacturing plant in Ostrava and expects to begin production in the second half of 2016.
The new plant will complement A123’s existing technical center in Stuttgart, Germany. The company currently operates manufacturing facilities in Hangzhou, China; Changzhou, China; and southeastern Michigan in the United States.
Our new business wins in the micro-hybrid market have validated A123’s strategy and given us an opportunity to expand our global manufacturing footprint. Our recently announced technology advancements related to high power chemistries have resulted in over $1B in new low voltage business awards globally in the last 15 months.
—Jason Forcier, CEO
The Ostrava facility will be located in an industrial park operated by CT Park, with adequate opportunity for expansion as the business continues to develop.
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