Flow-Rite expands in Europe
Flow-Rite has established an office in the United Kingdom, headed by international business manager Steven Wong, to support its growing European market opportunities. The company is a manufacturer of injection-molded fluid control products, including battery-watering systems and marine plumbing solutions. Todd Hart, Flow-Rite president, made the announcement. Wong transitions from Hong Kong, where he helped mature Flow-Rite’s battery-related business is primarily industrial markets. Europe presents additional opportunities for the company’s comprehensive line of marine and RV products. Wong will create distribution channels and develop relationships with major boat and RV OEMs. “While in Asia, Steven did a great job developing business for our lead-acid battery watering and monitoring solutions,” said Hart. “Due to Europe’s industrial maturity and a growing demand for our products, he’s the ideal person to lead our expansion efforts in this region.” Flow-Rite manufactures in the USA injection-molded fluid control products. Its marine line includes livewell, baitwell, and ballast solutions with unique Qwik-Lok™ connectors, as well as the innovative Remote Drain Plug. It offers single-point battery watering and monitoring systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensor solutions.
VARTA AG expands Executive Board to include Technology Department led by CTO Rainer Hald
VARTA AG enlarges its Executive Board. The Supervisory Board of the MDAX-listed company has decided to include Rainer Hald on the Executive Board of the company, effective from 1st January 2022. The 52-year-old Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is the third member of the body alongside Armin Hessenberger (CFO) and the Chairman, Herbert Schein (CEO). Michael Tojner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of VARTA AG: “Researching, developing and breaking new ground is part of VARTA’s DNA and has made us the innovation leader in the industry. Since 2013, Rainer Hald has been driving the great technological visions of VARTA and will be an excellent addition to the successful Executive Board. With this step, VARTA has set the course for the next growth phase also at Board level.” Herbert Schein: “I have already worked very closely and trustingly with Rainer Hald for the past ten years and I am looking forward to continuing this good cooperation at Board level. Rainer Hald has been a successful CTO for many years. His appointment is also a sign that VARTA already is a technology company today and that we will continue to expand our technological lead in the future. ” Rainer Hald, who holds a degree in engineering, has been with VARTA since 2000, where he held various management positions. Hald has been Chief Technology Officer of VARTA AG since 2013.
Nano One appoints Carla Matheson as Independent Director
Nano One® Materials Corp. (“Nano One” or the “Company”), a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-environmental footprint production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries, has announced the appointment of Ms. Carla Matheson as an Independent Director to the Board effective immediately. Ms. Matheson will also serve as a member of Nano One’s Audit, Compensation and Nominating, and People and Governance Committees. Paul Matysek, Executive Chair, commented, “On behalf of the board and the entire team, we are pleased to welcome Carla to Nano One. Carla brings a wealth of experience and a strong financial acumen that will be invaluable in supporting Nano One’s ongoing growth strategy.” Ms. Matheson is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with over ten years of experience in a variety of industries, specializing in business development, mergers and acquisitions, and financial reporting. Throughout her career on both the buy- and sell-side, Ms. Matheson, has provided dynamic solutions on all aspects of finance, accounting, and business-related issues for both public and private companies, having closed 30+ majority acquisitions, 50+ minority/venture type transactions, raised over $150M in capital via both debt and equity markets and deployed over $60M in capital. Ms. Carla Matheson stated “I am delighted to be joining the Nano One Board as the company looks to execute on its strategic development plans. I am looking forward to working with the Nano One Board and management team to build on Nano One’s continued responsible growth and value generation.” Ms. Matheson has spent over 10 years in the finance and accounting field working with both public and private companies. Most recently, she was Chief Financial Officer of Tiny Capital, where she was responsible for the strategic oversight of the technology-heavy portfolio. This oversight included on-boarding new acquisitions, development of core financial and operational processes as the primary point of contact for portfolio CEOs experiencing periods of high growth. Ms. Matheson is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Plank Ventures Ltd., an investment company targeting investments and business opportunities in the technology arena, with a focus on early-stage start-up companies that have developed a customer and revenue base and are seeking funding for expansion.
Nano One announces former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Frank Fannon as Strategic Advisor
Hon. Francis (Frank) Fannon joins Nano One as a strategic advisor on energy resources and global affairs Accomplished public policy and business experience in energy and supply chain Appointment to strengthen Nano One’s commercialization and North American scale-up programs Nano One® Materials Corp. (Nano One), is a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-environmental footprint production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Mr. Alex Holmes, COO, is pleased to introduce the Honorable Frank R. Fannon as a strategic advisor to Nano One. Mr. Fannon’s experience and unique insight on the importance of responsibly sourced, secure, domestic supplies of critical energy materials will compliment Nano One’s accomplished Advisory Committee as they support senior management on its commercialization and scale-up activities. “Frank is a strong leader who has led a successful career in the private and public sector in the U.S.,” said Mr. Holmes, “Frank’s work in the US State Department elevated global awareness of the critical role that minerals play in the energy transition and his ambition to drive new, positive energy initiatives will be an asset to Nano One. I am looking forward to working with Frank and the team as we move along our path towards commercialization.” In May 2018, Frank was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the inaugural Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, a position he held until January 2021. As “America’s Energy Diplomat,” he led whole-of-government initiatives in the Indo-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East to advance free, open markets, and resilient responsible supply chains. Frank also established the multi-country Energy Resources Governance Initiative to share global mining best practices and improve governance. “Free nations are playing catch-up to determine who will shape the clean energy economy, and according to what standards. In order to improve our environment and security, we must develop and deploy leapfrog technologies at scale,” Mr. Frank Fannon commented. “I am pleased to work with Nano One as a critical answer to that call.” Frank joins Nano One’s Advisory Committee along with Dr. Yuan Gao, Joe Lowry, Robert Morris, and Dr. Byron Gates. Frank is currently the managing director of Fannon Global Advisors, a strategic advisory focused on geopolitics, the energy transition, and market transformation. He is also a non-resident senior advisor at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, and a visiting senior fellow at the Center for Technology Diplomacy at Purdue. Prior to his time at the State Department, Frank established BHP’s U.S. Corporate Affairs function as a Managing Director and served as Chief U.S. Advisor to the BHP Foundation, focused on transparency and governance, environmental resilience, and education equity. Prior to BHP, Frank led government affairs for Murphy Oil Corporation where he facilitated new country entry in multiple regions and developed the industry’s first point-of-purchase consumer energy campaign. Previously, he served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where he drafted, negotiated, and helped pass key legislation. Frank also served as counsel to Senators Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) and Pete V. Domenici (R-NM). Frank holds a J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law, an M.A. in International Affairs, Economics & Trade from the University of Denver Korbel School of International Studies, and a B.A. from Radford University.
Concentric LLC acquires Virginia battery provider Weldex Sales
Concentric, LLC, a national provider in DC power management and on-site maintenance for the material handling and critical power industries, has acquired Weldex Sales, the largest battery provider in the state of Virginia. Best known for their commitment to sustainability through their Environment and Safety divisions, Weldex Sales is also a certified, women-owned business. This acquisition strengthens Concentric’s footprint in Virginia while expanding innovative solutions like lithium and hybrid power systems to a new customer base. “For more than three decades, Weldex Sales has earned a reputation throughout Virginia as the place to turn to for any forklift power problem. We admire this heritage of bringing clients solutions that also emphasize sustainability and safety metrics,” said Concentric President, John Shea. “As the nation’s largest forklift and power organization, it is a natural fit incorporating Weldex Sales into the Concentric team.” Founded in 1978 by Robert E Hartman, Weldex Sales is now led today by daughter and President, Robin A. Hartman who joined in 1992 and has guided the business through incredible growth. Robin is credited with distinguishing three key divisions of Weldex Sales: Motive Power/Reserve, Environmental, and Welding, while leading the company’s commitment to providing top service to a dedicated clientele across Virginia. “At Weldex Sales our focus has been on bringing new ideas, technologies, and solutions to customers. Joining Concentric expands our technology and solution offerings, such as GuaranteedPOWER®, to our customer base. We look forward to continuing the legacy of Weldex Sales, providing clients with even greater options to meet their needs in a rapidly changing marketplace,” said Weldex Sales President, Robin A. Hartman. Concentric is an OnPoint Group company, the only national material handling and facility services organization. For additional information about Concentric or this acquisition, visit www.concentricusa.com or www.onpointgroup.com/mergers-acquisitions.
What’s inside the box?
The Form, Design, and Chemistry of Lithium Forklift Battery Cells The diversity in forklift lithium battery cell design, chemistry composition, and form is what sets apart industrial lithium brands on the most basic level. It is increasingly hard to choose the right forklift battery, given the variety of equipment types, makes, and models designed for specific applications, work environments, and operation paces. To see through a sales pitch and make an informed decision, you need to understand the differences among cells. On the surface, all batteries look the same. This article will help you to better understand what the battery packs are made of. So what’s inside the “black box”? Types of Lithium Batteries: Lithium Cell Design The most technologically advanced, reliable manufacturers of lithium cells ensure that their batteries provide top performance over a long cycle life by maintaining high standards in the following three main areas of cell technology: – electrolyte – cathode and anode materials – membrane technology. Electrolyte in Lithium Cells The electrolyte plays a key role in transporting the positive lithium ions between the cathode and anode. The most commonly used electrolyte consists of a lithium salt, such as LiPF6, organic solvents, and proprietary additives to improve stability and prevent dendrite formation and degradation of the solution. These requirements are especially important in high-energy-density industrial battery applications: – stability in high-current-discharge applications – longer cycle life – high conductivity – high rate of discharge – improved performance over a wide range of temperatures – excellent thermal and hydrolytic stability – excellent anti-overcharging stability – high-purity LiPF6: >99.5%; free acid <50 ppm, water <20 ppm. Cathode and Anode Materials of Lithium-Ion Cells There are multiple cathode materials to choose from within the field of Li-ion technology. Originally, the primary active component of the cathode was lithium cobalt oxide. Today, cobalt is frequently substituted out with iron (LFP), nickel, manganese, and aluminum (NMC, NCA). Cathode materials require extremely high purity levels and must be almost entirely free of unwanted impurities, such as vanadium and sulfur. The most demanding battery applications require that the cells’ anode and cathode electrodes: – provide high energy density – ensure stability in high pulse discharge rate – allow for fast charging speeds – demonstrate resiliency against natural degradation. Ceramic Membrane Used in Lithium-Ion Cells An electrochemical cell consists of an anode and a cathode that are separated by an ion-permeable or ion-conductive membrane—the separator—as one of the main components. State-of-the-art lithium cell technology uses a ceramic-coated separator, which improves cell performance at high temperatures and enhances battery safety. Lithium cell membranes’ physical properties demonstrate: – high thermal stability, porosity, and tortuosity of the pores – effective ionic conductivity – full compatibility with the combination of anode and cathode materials. Read more about lithium cell design. Types of Lithium Batteries: Lithium Cell Chemistry. Lithium cells are named after the chemical composition of their cathode material The biggest impact on the specs of today’s commercially available batteries is made by the chemistry of their cathode materials. The best-known active component of the cathode is cobalt, widely used in batteries for electronics and EVs. Today, battery manufacturers using cobalt are facing serious supply-chain sustainability issues (like unethical mining practices, including the use of child labor). Cobalt is frequently replaced by iron (LFP), nickel, manganese, and aluminum. Why LFP is the Best Choice for Material Handling Operations Of all the various types of lithium-ion batteries, three cell chemistry types widely used in on- and off-highway electric vehicles: lithium iron phosphate, or lithium ferro phosphate (LFP); lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC); and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). A battery’s longevity, or its cycle life, depends on three main factors: chemical composition of cathode materials ambient temperature of operation depth of discharge. All batteries degrade with usage, decreasing their Ah capacity with each charge/discharge cycle. In material handling, batteries usually become unusable when they drop below 80% of their nominal capacity. The graph below shows the results of recent independent degradation tests of the aforementioned three types of cells with different chemistry, under equal conditions of temperature and depth of discharge. LFP lithium batteries exhibit superior performance compared to NMC—they offer a longer lifespan and are generally less expensive. Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) batteries performed similarly to or worse than NMC. The tests were performed at Sandia National Laboratories as “part of a broader effort to determine and characterize the safety and reliability of commercial Li-ion cells.” Read more about the comparative characteristics of LFP, NMC, and NCA lithium cells. Types of lithium batteries: lithium cell format Main lithium battery pack components Currently, there is no standardized design for a lithium-ion battery (LIB). The battery cell type is selected according to a user’s needs, which ultimately influences the design of the battery module. The present LIB market most often provides a 3-tier battery concept to customers: cell, module, and pack. Cell shapes Battery cells are designed in different form-factors and shapes: cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch cell. The inner structure and the electrode-separator compound differ in terms of the material dimensions and the manufacturing processes used. Cylindrical cells Cylindrical cells consist of a sheet-like battery anode and cathode and separator that are sandwiched, rolled up, and packed into a cylinder-shaped can. This type of cell was one of the first mass-produced types and is still very popular. Cells feature multiple rows with arresters on opposite sides. Pouch cells Pouch cells do not have a rigid enclosure, instead using sealed, flexible foil as the cell container. The electrode and separator layers of a pouch cell are stacked. With pouch cells, the designer should allocate enough space for possible swelling of the cell. Battery modules with pouch cells feature single-row cells with the arresters positioned either on the same or the opposite side. Prismatic cells Prismatic cells consist of large sheets of anodes, cathodes, and separators sandwiched, rolled up, and pressed to fit into a metal or hard-plastic housing in cubic form. The electrodes can also be assembled
Nano One announces Cathode Materials expert Dr. Yuan Gao as Strategic Advisor
Dr. Yuan Gao joins Nano One as a strategic advisor on cathodes business and supply chain Accomplished senior executive and globally recognized innovator in lithium-ion batteries Expert in lithium production and battery cathodes including LFP, NMC, LCO, and LMO Appointment to enhance Nano One’s innovation, commercialization, and scale-up programs Nano One® Materials Corp. (Nano One), is a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-environmental footprint production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Mr. Dan Blondal, CEO, just announced that Dr. Yuan Gao as a strategic advisor to Nano One on lithium-ion battery cathode technologies, supply chains, and business strategy. Dr. Gao’s experience and network will enhance and accelerate innovation, commercialization, and scale-up programs, as Nano One ramps up to address battery demand, ESG investing, and supply chain imperatives taking hold in North America and around the world. “Dr. Gao is an accomplished executive,” said Mr. Dan Blondal, “with a strong technical background and a successful track record in leading and growing businesses throughout the lithium-ion battery supply chain. I have a tremendous amount of respect for his technical vision, business acumen, and understanding of global supply chains as they relate to LFP, NMC, LCO, and other battery cathode materials. I am delighted to have Dr. Gao joining our team on the path to commercialization.” Dr. Gao is also an internationally recognized expert in lithium-ion battery materials with over a hundred patents issued around the world, dozens of journal publications, and his innovations are at the core of today’s lithium-ion batteries. He has joined Nano One Advisory Committee members, Joe Lowry, Robert Morris, and Dr. Byron Gates. “As the global production of lithium-ion battery materials grows to millions of tons,” said Dr. Gao, “we will need technological innovation to eliminate environmental waste, economic inefficiencies, and complexity that persist in today’s battery supply chain. For this reason, I am inspired by what I’ve seen at Nano One over the years, and I am pleased to be collaborating with them on their technology and commercialization efforts.” Dr. Gao is the Vice Chairman of the board of Pulead Technology, a respected producer of cathodes for lithium-ion batteries, having served as President and CEO from May 2014 to Sept 2019. In addition, Dr. Gao also serves as a member of the board of directors for Lithium Americas Corp. Previously, Dr. Gao served as Vice President at Molycorp Inc., and as Global Marketing Director and Technology Manager at FMC Corporation (USA). Dr. Gao completed a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of British Columbia and did post-doctoral research on lithium metal oxides at Simon Fraser University in Professor Jeff Dahn’s laboratory. He has also completed an executive education program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Nano One announces retirement of Director and President John Lando
Nano One® Materials Corp. (Nano One), is a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-environmental footprint production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Nano One announces the retirement of John Lando, President, co-founder, and member of the Board. Mr. Lando stated “I am very proud of what we have built at Nano One to date, and while I believe the best is yet to come, it is time for me to retire. Nano One has never been in a better position, both financially and operationally. I have complete confidence in the company’s leadership team and their ability to execute on the vision they have created for Nano One, and I am also very pleased with the acumen of recent management additions, which has given me the confidence to make this move at this time. We have a strong treasury, solid technology, the world’s largest partners and we are positioned to continue building long-term value for all stakeholders.” Mr. Lando co-founded Nano One with CEO Mr. Dan Blondal and has served as President and a member of the Board since its inception. Mr. Lando’s guidance and contributions have established Nano One as an innovative, rapidly growing company within the lithium-ion battery sector. Executive Chairman Paul Matysek remarked“I have worked with John since Nano One became a public company and watching him navigate the tricky road of a start-up company has been remarkable. John’s intense and steady belief in our technology and staff coupled with his empathy and support for shareholders has established a successful culture that will continue as we grow, making us one of the most innovative battery technology companies in the world. It was a great honor to work with John and wish him well in this next phase of life.” Mr. Blondal added“John’s capital markets know-how and strong advocacy for Nano One has been tremendously helpful as we built this company to what it is today. John is a lifelong friend and it has been an honor to work with him over the years. Along with current members of the Board, management team, and employees of Nano One, I would like to wish the very best to John and his family in his retirement.”
Nano One hires VP External Affairs
Mr. Adam Johnson joins Nano One to lead external affairs with governments Brings expertise in public policy and strategic communications to Nano One Team strengthened to support North American cathode commercialization efforts Nano One® Materials Corp. (Nano One), is a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-environmental footprint production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Nano One just announced the hiring of Adam Johnson as Vice President, External Affairs. Mr. Johnson will be overseeing Nano One’s external affairs and engagement efforts as it continues down the path towards cathode commercialization, scale-up, and expansion in North America. As the world transitions to a net-zero economy and advances towards mass adoption of batteries for EVs and energy storage systems, there are important public policy and business decisions to be made. Developing a safe and reliable supply chain in North America and around the world for batteries is vital for economic, national security, and environmental reasons. Nano One wants to be an active participant in helping shape a sustainable North American battery supply chain. “Adam is a seasoned and trusted leader with broad communications experience and a solid understanding of government relations,” said, COO, Mr. Alex Holmes. “Adam’s deep-rooted relationships with government and strong business network will enable Nano One to engage and lead on battery supply chain decisions, particularly as we ramp up operations in support of multiple partnerships and business opportunities. Adam’s appointment fills a key role in driving our business transformation and I welcome Adam as a partner to the executive team.” “I am extremely excited to be joining the Nano One team. At this critical point of transformation from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, there are deep and challenging issues to overcome. At the same time, I see immense opportunity for Nano One to help shape a battery supply chain in North America and the world,” stated Mr. Johnson. “For over 20 years I have worked on complex and challenging public policy and communications issues both in Government and advising businesses. I believe in the Nano One team and its value proposition.” Mr. Johnson has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles working as a consultant and in Government. Prior to joining Nano One, he was a senior partner at Earnscliffe Strategies, a leading public affairs consultancy, where he provided strategic counsel to small and medium-sized businesses as well as Fortune 200 companies. He is an expert on engaging with the Canadian federal and provincial governments in addition to international government, with a focus on energy, cleantech, transportation, and infrastructure. Mr. Johnson also works on community engagement, market-entry, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining Earnscliffe, he was a senior advisor to a Canadian Minister of Industry, amongst several other roles
Flux Power donates 723 pounds of food for Thanksgiving Food Drive
Flux Power Holdings, Inc., a developer of advanced lithium-ion battery packs for commercial and industrial equipment, just announced that it has donated 723 pounds of food this year to the North County Food Bank. The Employee Engagement Committee at Flux Power partnered with the North County Food Bank to host the first Thanksgiving food drive. “We are pleased to help support the North County Food Bank,” commented CEO Ron Dutt. “The food drive was an inspiring event that was led by our employees – we had a great turnout!” Not only did Flux Power donate 723 pounds of food, but they also donated $500 to support the mission of the North County Food Bank.
Flux Power announces financial results for first quarter of FY 2022
Revenue of $6.3M, an increase of 39% YOY Flux Power Holdings, Inc., a developer of advanced lithium-ion battery packs for commercial and industrial equipment, has reported financial results for its first quarter of the fiscal year 2022 (Q1’22). Financial Highlights: Q1’22 revenue grew 39% to $6.3M compared to Q1’21 revenue of $4.5M. Q1’22 gross profit margin increased to 21.3% compared to 19.4% in Q1’21. Strategic Highlights: Achieved 13th consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth. Increased customer order backlog to a record $28M as of November 10, 2021. Closed a registered direct offering priced at the market for net proceeds of approximately $14.1M to support growth. Q1’22 Financial Results Revenue: Q1’22 revenue increased by 39% to $6.3M compared to $4.5M in Q1’21, driven by sales of packs with higher selling prices and a higher unit volume of packs sold. Gross Profit: Q1’22 gross profit improved by 53% to $1.3M compared to a gross profit of $873K in Q1’21, primarily attributable to the higher unit volume of sales to both new and existing customers, and to the improved overall cost of sales efficiencies. However, gross profit was impacted by higher costs for steel, electronic parts, and common off-the-shelf parts in Q1’22. Selling & Administrative: Expenses increased to $3.5M in Q1’22 from $2.9M in Q1’21, reflecting increases in outbound shipping costs, personnel-related expenses, insurance premiums, and sales & marketing expenses. Research & Development: Expenses increased to $2.0M in Q1’22, compared to $1.5M in Q1’21, primarily due to new product development activities. Net Loss: Q1’22 net loss increased slightly to $4.1M from a net loss of $4.0M in Q1’21, principally reflecting increased operating expenses, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense and an increase in gross profit. Balance Sheet: The balance sheet was strengthened during Q1’22 with a registered direct capital raise of $14.1M in net proceeds, which provided capital to support continued revenue growth and provide an important element to reaching cash flow breakeven. Additionally, in October 2021, the line of credit with Silicon Valley Bank was increased from $4.0M to $6.0M to provide additional resources to manage working capital needs. The fiscal year 2022 outlook The supply chain disruptions continue, with delivery delays at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Prices for steel and electrical components have seen dramatic increases, along with shipping costs over the past twelve months. No immediate abatement to these challenges is anticipated within the next several months. A price increase was implemented in October to offset these increases, although there will be limited benefit near term, given pricing in much of the current backlog of orders. The current backlog of $28M reflects continued strong demand from both new and existing customers. Less than $2M of the current backlog is directly related to supply chain delays. As the airline industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increasing demand for zero-emission GSE battery packs, which support the many environmental initiatives underway at airlines and airports. Product development work continues on a new design platform for battery packs to achieve improvements with regard to manufacturing complexity, product cost, and working capital. “We are not immune to the supply chain disruptions, but we believe we have executed plans to minimize the impact on production,” CEO Ron Dutt stated. “We have a record backlog of orders from new and existing customers which reflects the growing demand for our lithium-ion battery packs.”
EnerSys and Concentric expand partnership
EnerSys, a global provider of stored energy solutions for industrial applications, recently expanded its battery and charger product distribution through a manufacturer representative agreement with All Battery Sales and Service, now owned and operated by Concentric, LLC, a forklift and critical power supplier. Through this expanded partnership with EnerSys, Concentric will be responsible for sales and service of all EnerSys motive power products in the states of Oregon and Washington, including NexSys, IRONCLAD, and Express batteries, as well as the full line of EnerSys modular charging solutions. “Concentric has decades of industry experience as a result of a strong portfolio of legacy companies, with a proven track record of success across their market territory,” said Mark Walker, Vice President, North America Sales at EnerSys. “With their recent merger with All Battery Sales and Service, we look forward to harnessing their sales strength and expertise to give customers in that area the most complete offering of motive power battery and chargers, backed by an elite team of customer service representatives.” EnerSys motive power batteries range from the hardest-working flooded lead-acid designs to the industry’s most advanced Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion) technologies. The company’s high-frequency chargers feature modular, low-component designs to fit any performance and charging profile. “It is a privilege to partner with EnerSys to help grow the company’s established and stellar line of motive power solutions in the Pacific Northwest,” said John Shea, president, Concentric, LLC. “We are confident that our dedicated team members, including our representatives from All Battery Sales and Service, will work closely with EnerSys to serve as a critical resource to not only existing customers but future clients to come.”
Nano One Builds on COP26, Shifts LFP focus to domestic markets and joins Canada’s Accelerate ZEV Alliance
COP26 spotlights a significant green energy start for the global market. Once-in-a-generation chance to create and differentiate North American supply chain. Nano One shifts LFP effort from China and Pulead to opportunities outside of China. The one-Pot process reduces the cost and environmental impact of the battery metal supply chain. Nano One joins Accelerate, Canada’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) supply chain alliance. Nano One® Materials Corp. (Nano One), a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-environmental footprint production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Mr. Dan Blondal, Nano One’s CEO, is pleased to provide his view on COP26, currently taking place in Glasgow, Scotland, and an update on the Company’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) strategic direction as it relates to reducing the cost and environmental impact of the battery metal supply chains in North America and Europe. “Nano One commends global leaders at COP26 for renewing and energizing their commitment to tackle climate change and the 1.5oC goal,” said Nano One CEO, Mr. Dan Blondal. “The world needs clear and firm policies focused on responsibly sourced critical minerals, renewable green energy, resilient and sustainable battery supply chains, R&D and STEM education for the workforce. Nano One is committed to creating jobs and a clean energy economy locally and with those nations collaborating and actively participating in COP26.” As the transition to clean energy and battery electric vehicles unfolds, there is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a secure and cost-competitive supply chain that is domestically integrated with a low environmental footprint. In response, Nano One is shifting its LFP strategic direction to large emerging markets outside of China, starting in North America, and has ceased joint development activities with Pulead Technology Industry. Nano One’s patented One-Pot process and metal-direct-to-cathode technology (M2CAM) facilitate the production of LFP, nickel-rich (NMC), and manganese-rich (LNMO) lithium-ion battery cathode materials directly from low-cost and low-GHG intensity battery metals. The One-Pot process can leverage battery metal feedstocks that are available domestically without requiring the addition of costly refining infrastructure, and this removes barriers to adoption while eliminating complexity and environmentally wasteful steps common to offshore supply chains. “If we are to build a fully integrated and resilient battery supply chain here in North America,” said Nano One CEO, Mr. Dan Blondal, “it must include responsible mining of battery metals, onshore refining, environmentally favorable cathode material production, and recycling. If we are to avoid the export of raw materials and technology to overseas markets, only to buy them back in value-added batteries, then we must leapfrog and make redundant the wasteful, constrained, and costly methods of making battery cathode materials that are entrenched in overseas supply chains.” LFP production is free from the constraints of nickel and cobalt, and although its origins are deeply rooted in Canada, its growth over the last decade is almost entirely based in China. Recent LFP cell-to-pack innovations have driven costs down and enabled greater EV range, setting the stage for EV pioneers to shift to LFP as supported by several recent announcements. There has never been a greater imperative for a sustainable, responsible, and secure supply of LFP materials and batteries, to be established and supported in North America and Europe, proximal to where the EV’s are manufactured. Mr. Blondal commented, “Canada has clean energy assets, responsibly sourced critical minerals, and a rich history in LFP technology and manufacturing. By leveraging these opportunities with Nano One’s simplified low-cost approach to cathode production, we seek to create a resilient value-added domestic LFP supply chain in a collaborative ecosystem with a smaller environmental footprint. Our investments in the lab, pilot, and alternative feedstocks have added further value to our One-Pot technology, and this enables us to move quickly now that the North American opportunity is coming into focus. We look forward to sharing further advancements with our shareholders.” Nano One is also pleased to announce it has become a member of Accelerate, Canada’s zero-emission vehicle supply chain alliance. Launched in 2021, Accelerate is working with its members across the supply chain to create an industrial road map to ensure the growth and stability of Canada’s zero-emission vehicle market. “Accelerate members, like Nano One, are crucial to ensuring Canada transitions from its industrial past to its industrial future,” said Matthew Fortier, Accelerate CEO. “This week’s progress at COP26 is another step towards securing a Canadian supply chain that will help produce a cleaner, more prosperous, more inclusive, and more sustainable Canadian auto industry.”
EnerSys® strengthens Motive Power Battery and Charger Distribution in Pacific Northwest through expanded partnership with Concentric, LLC
EnerSys®, the global provider in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, recently expanded its battery and charger product offering through a Manufacturer Representative Agreement with All Battery Sales and Service, now owned and operated by Concentric, LLC, a forklift and critical power supplier. Through this expanded partnership with EnerSysprovider®, Concentric, LLC will be responsible for sales and service of all EnerSys® motive power products in the states of Oregon and Washington, including NexSys®, IRONCLAD®, and Express® batteries, as well as the full line of EnerSys® modular charging solutions. “Concentric has decades of industry experience as a result of a strong portfolio of legacy companies, with a proven track record of success across their market territory,” said Mark Walker, Vice President, North America Sales at EnerSys. “With their recent merger with All Battery Sales and Service, we look forward to harnessing their sales strength and expertise to give customers in that area the most complete offering of motive power battery and chargers, backed by an elite team of customer service representatives.” EnerSys® motive power batteries range from the hardest-working flooded lead-acid designs to the industry’s most advanced Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion) technologies. The company’s high-frequency chargers feature modular, low-component designs to fit any performance and charging profile. EnerSys® also offers programs and services that can transform battery and charger data into actionable intelligence that can protect assets, boost productivity, cut costs and improve operations. “It is a privilege to partner with EnerSys to help grow the company’s established and stellar line of motive power solutions in the Pacific Northwest,” said John Shea, President, Concentric, LLC. “We are confident that our dedicated team members, including our representatives from All Battery Sales and Service, will work closely with EnerSys to serve as a critical resource to not only existing customers but future clients to come.”
Exponential Power acquires Dry Creek Enterprises
Exponential Power, Inc., a provider of stored power solutions, announced that it has joined forces with Bakersfield, California-based Dry Creek Enterprises. The acquisition enhances the company’s presence in the reserve power industry and supports its mission of delivering reliability, advancing technology, and providing an unmatched experience for its customers. Dry Creek Enterprises was founded in 1999 and quickly gained a strong reputation for outstanding service and commitment to excellence. Under previous leadership, the company developed a factory-trained service team servicing a variety of locations with critical power needs, including power plants, refineries, emergency response systems, and off-grid backup systems. “The partnership is a great addition to Exponential Power,” says CEO Jake Walker, “The team brings a solid track record and unwavering passion for delivering exceptional service to the reserve power industry.” He added that the acquisition “expands our West Coast service presence and supplements our existing businesses extremely well while aligning with our strategic vision.” The Exponential Power Stationary Service Team extends a warm welcome to Dry Creek Enterprises and looks forward to delivering quality work safely for every customer.
Raymond performs unparalleled Lithium-Ion testing to provide industry-leading solutions
Raymond to present research, testing at upcoming NY-BEST conference The Raymond Corporation is committed to providing leading energy solutions that elevate and optimize operations through unequaled testing and performance evaluations. As the lithium-ion power market continues to grow rapidly throughout the industry, Raymond is on the cutting edge of this growth, working in coordination with the Battery and Energy Storage Technology Test (BEST) & Commercialization Center (BTCC), an ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory, to build significant capability in lithium-ion battery testing and development. “The BTCC brings together over 250 years of combined DNV and NY-BEST team experience,” said Richard S. Barnes, regional president, Energy Systems North America at DNV. “Testing at the facility provides crucial insights into the longevity as well as the technical performance of energy storage systems used in any situation. The high-quality, flexible testing capabilities also provide third-party independence to the test results.” For the utmost reliability and performance, Raymond energy solutions are put through rigorous testing at the BTCC. Energy Essentials Distributed by Raymond® is just one example in which Raymond’s testing results in a comprehensive lithium-ion, high-performance energy solution to optimize operations. The implementation of Energy Essentials batteries provides operations with significant productivity enhancements, including increased uptime, reduced electricity consumption, and a smaller carbon footprint, by allowing for more time between charges. “We are in a dynamic world with quickly evolving needs. To stay ahead of the curve, Raymond is driving energy innovations to elevate operations and meet the demands of today,” said Jennifer de Souza, senior director, energy solutions, procurement & leasing. “Raymond is dedicated to bringing unparalleled emerging technologies to the commercial market through rigorous testing and qualification.” On Oct. 27, 2021, Dan Harris, a Raymond engineer for energy systems, will give a seminar on the battery-testing process at the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) Fall Energy Storage Technology and Innovation Conference held in Binghamton, New York.
Concentric, LLC, an OnPoint Group Company, acquires All Battery Sales and Service
The acquisition extends Concentric’s footprint with coast to coast visibility and expanded service offerings Concentric, LLC has acquired All Battery Sales and Service, a provider in DC power for forklifts as well as automotive and specialty power products. This acquisition extends Concentric’s footprint into the Northwest US including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. “All Battery Sales and Service expands our offerings to now include automotive and specialty power products, while also strategically growing the forklift power business into the northwestern US,” said Concentric president, John Shea. “This addition to OnPoint furthers our objective to provide total control over critical but non-core equipment assets such as forklift power, docks and doors, automation equipment, and more, added Tom Cox, CEO of OnPoint Group. “Supply chains are more complex than ever, but consistent material handling processes don’t have to be.” Founded in 1979 by Tom and Vern Allen, All Battery Sales and Service has a strong heritage based on building lasting customer relationships through expertise in equipment and quick, reliable service. “We were looking for the right partner to steward our people, our customers, and the legacy of this organization. We could not be happier with the Concentric partnership,” said All Battery Sales & Service President, Tom Allen. “The team at Concentric is building a national organization ready to meet the growing demands of our customers for today and position us for the next 40 years,” added All Battery Sales & Service VP and Partner, Vern Allen. Concentric is an OnPoint Group company, a group that is revolutionizing how industries manage their material handling and critical facility service needs.
New Flow-Rite valve designed for opportunity charging
Swapping out a forklift, order picker, or other electric machinery battery once per work shift is time-consuming and involves inherent safety risks to employees. Opportunity charging is the alternative, and the new Maverick Valve from Flow-Rite is engineered specifically to optimize these applications, enhancing both financial and productivity advantages. Made in the USA and manufactured to ISO 9001 standards, the unconventionally innovative Maverick Valve is the superior battery watering component for opportunity charging. Acid-, temperature- and impact-resistant, it’s made from the same premium polypropylene plastic as is used in batteries. The unique design of the Maverick Valve allows for reliable filling, no matter if the water pressure used is 3 or 35 psi (static); it has a minimum flow rate of 2 gpm. Raised vents provide additional room inside the cell for fluid expansion and a de-gassing chamber allows for the diluted dispersion of gasses to reduce the risk of ignition. It’s available with Flow-Rite’s innovative Eagle Eye Elite or Eagle Eye Essential electrolyte level sensor. As battery cells break down due to overheating, they often produce particulates that clog conventional valves. The Maverick Valve is engineered to function seamlessly in 24/7 applications. Flow-Rite’s Maverick Valve works with a wide range of single and double post layouts for 6, 12, 18, and 24 cells. Models are available to fit virtually any commercial forklift or order picker battery. Installation of the Maverick Valve is fast and simple due to its three-port swivel tee that rotates 360°. Its low-profile design allows it to mount below intercell connectors to keep them safe. Date coded to verify 100% testing, Flow-Rite’s Maverick Valve comes with a five-year warranty. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Flow-Rite is a vertically integrated company that designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of fluid control and IoT devices for lead-acid batteries. Its products are made using green manufacturing processes and materials.
Review of the North American Lithium Forklift Battery Market: The Seven most popular brands in the USA and Canada
The major factors responsible for the growth of the global lithium market are the increasing number of applications in battery-powered equipment and the need for cleaner energy sources. Increased demand is created by various industries, particularly the electric vehicle/auto industry and the energy storage system industry. Ongoing research and innovations in lithium applications are expected to provide opportunities for further growth. Industrial lithium batteries have been gaining popularity in the USA over the last decade. Lithium power packs are used across many industries including material-handling equipment, defense, and aerospace; at medical, telecom, and data centers; for marine and power storage applications; and in heavy mining and construction equipment. This review will cover one segment of this big market: batteries for material-handling equipment (MHE) like forklifts, lift trucks, and pallet jacks. MHE lithium battery market segment The segment of industrial batteries for MHE includes various types of forklifts and lift trucks, and some adjacent segments, like airport ground support equipment (GSE), industrial cleaning equipment (sweepers and scrubbers), tugs, personnel carriers, etc. The MHE market segment is very different from other lithium battery applications like automotive, public transportation, and other on- and off-highway EVs. Forklifts often have to withstand high vibration due to the widespread use of cushion tires. These demand a more rigid design than pneumatic tires. MHE is employed in multi-shift operations spanning 18-20 hours daily, often in extreme ambient temperatures (very hot in some cases and very cold inside coolers and freezers). Forklifts rarely leave facilities with easy access to power and charging stations. A high level of customization is required for numerous unique forklift types, resulting in a low production volume for each individual battery model. The still-low adoption rate of superior lithium technology is the reason why many MHE dealers and maintenance companies do not offer lithium battery service. This is why a battery manufacturer’s own service network is so important in this segment. Size and growth of the lithium forklift battery market According to the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), around 65% of lift trucks sold today are electric (the rest are internal combustion engine-powered). In other words, two-thirds of all new material handling equipment is battery-powered. There is no consensus today as to what share lithium technology has already gained from the incumbent lead-acid technology in the US and Canada. Estimates vary between 7% and 10% of the total number of the new industrial batteries sold, growing from zero in a mere 5-6 years. The benefits of lithium vs. lead-acid batteries have been tested and proven by major companies across all industries with material handling operations: logistics and 3PL, retail, manufacturing, paper and packaging, metals, lumber, food and beverage, cold storage, medical supplies distribution, you name it. Industry experts are speculating about the growth rate over the next few years (estimated CAGR 27%), but all agree—the adoption of lithium will continue to accelerate, similarly to what we see in the passenger EV market (enabled by similar lithium technology). By 2028, the lithium segment may constitute 48% of all new forklift batteries. Lead-acid technology still drives forklift engineering Lead-acid battery technology for electric forklifts is over 100 years old. No wonder electric-powered forklifts were (and still are) built around lead-acid batteries, which determined the format of a power pack and the whole design of a lift truck. Lead-acid technology’s key characteristics are the low voltage (24–48V), high current, and the massive weight of the battery, and in most cases, the latter is used as part of the counterweight to balance the load on the forks. Market transformation pending MHE continues to be lead-acid-centric, and that determines the engineering design of the equipment, sales and service channels, and other specifics of the market. However, lithium conversion has started and has already proven its potential to make material handling more efficient and sustainable. With economic and sustainability factors driving the switch to lithium technology, the transformation is already underway. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Toyota, HYG, Jungheinrich, and others have launched their first lithium-powered forklifts. Advantages of lithium forklift batteries All lithium-ion battery suppliers discuss the advantages of Li-ion batteries vs lead-acid batteries: greater fleet uptime and overall growth in operational efficiency, life cycles that are 2–3 times longer, zero daily maintenance, low lifetime cost, zero pollutants or exhaust, etc. Several companies offer battery models suitable for a variety of applications, such as work in cold storage areas. There are two main types of lithium-ion batteries on the market, the key difference being the cathode material: lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC). The former are generally less expensive, safer, and more stable, while the latter has a higher energy density per kilo. Review criteria This review covers a few basic criteria: company history and product line, number of models and OEM compatibility, product features, service network, and additional information. A company’s history and product line illustrate its core expertise and the brand’s focus on a specific market segment, or the opposite—a lack of such focus. The number of models is a good proxy for product availability—it tells how likely you are to find a compatible Li-ion battery model for your specific material-handling equipment (and how fast a given company is developing new models). CAN integration of a battery with both a host lift truck and a charger is essential for a plug-and-play approach, an important requirement in many applications. Some brands are not fully transparent yet on their CAN protocol. Product features and additional information describe the differences and commonalities of the battery brands. Our review does not include “integrated” lithium battery brands, which are sold together with the lift truck. Buyers of these products cannot choose a battery capacity, regardless of their specific application. We did not include some of the imported Asian brands, as they have not yet built a significant customer base in the US market. Although they offer very attractive prices, they fall short of expectations on very important criteria: maintenance, support, and service. The lack of industry
Webcast: Benefit from the latest Power and Battery Technology for material handling equipment
The unprecedented use of e-commerce has contributed to a huge growth in the need for efficiency in distribution and warehousing. New Lithium battery technology is an integral part of effective scaling and efficient use of new and existing material handling equipment. In this webcast, presented by Green Cubes Technology, you will learn from real-world examples how our Lithium-ion battery technology can be easily integrated into material handling equipment so that your facility can benefit from opportunity charging, fast charging, and long run-time. Enabled with new features, such as Internet of Things (IOT) technology and wireless charging, Lithium-ion systems can increase the efficiency of your equipment, personnel, and asset utilization while decreasing maintenance and utility costs and meeting targets for green initiatives. To REGISTER, click here. There is no charge to attend and space is limited. Speakers: About Green Cubes Technology: Green Cubes Technology develops and manufactures a complete portfolio of lithium power systems that enable our OEM and enterprise customers to transition from Lead Acid and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power to Lithium-ion battery power. We utilize proven hardware and software platforms to build the most reliable lithium battery systems in our industries. With over 30 years of successful designs by expert engineers, we ensure each system will exceed your safety and performance goals. With over 300 employees across six countries, Green Cubes has been producing reliable, high-performance, and high-quality products for over 30 years.