Ad-hoc | 12 October 2011 07:15
Leclanché SA / Key word(s): Product Launch
12.10.2011 07:15
Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR
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Press Release
Leclanché launches environmentally-friendly production of large format
lithium-ion cells
- Innovative production process and patented technology allows
solvent-free water-based manufacturing of electrodes
- Increased lifespan of Leclanché cells reduces cost of stored kWh
- Reduced need for chemical solvents
Yverdon-les-Bains, 12 October 2011 - Leclanché S.A. (SIX Swiss Exchange :
LECN), specialized in the production of large-format lithium ion cells and
energy storage solutions, today announces the launch of
environmentally-friendly production of lithium-ion cells based on a new and
innovative manufacturing process which uses water instead of solvents in
the production of electrodes required for the production of cells. This
process, for which Leclanché has filed a patent application and which can
be applied to all types of Lithium-Ion batteries, including
state-of-the-art Titanate cells, represent a significant environmental
improvement as it eliminates organic solvents in the production process of
electrodes while also allowing for higher stability and longer life span of
Lithium-Ion cells.
'This new environmentally-friendly production process represents a real
achievement for our industry,' said Dr. Ulrich Ehmes, CEO of Leclanché. 'It
is also very timely as energy storage solutions will play an increasing
role in the effective use of renewable energies such as wind and solar.
Following several years of research and significant investments, we are
particularly proud of being among the first companies to offer this
additional benefit to our customers, especially as Leclanché stores green
energy in its Lithium-Ion cells and storage solutions. In addition, solvent
free electrodes increase the lifespan of our cells which reduces the cost
per stored kWh for our customers.'
Contrary to the solvent-free water-based manufacturing of electrodes
developed by Leclanché, conventional industrial coating processes use
substantial amounts of solvents, which must subsequently be recycled or
burnt. In Leclanché's new water-based technique, only water is still used.
Equally, the use of binders will be significantly reduced.
'Our water based process, which allows Leclanché to eliminate the use of
chemical solvents in the production process of its electrodes, is not
insignificant at all when producing several thousand or millions of cells.
The benefit for the environment and for our customers is obvious. In
addition, our cells enjoy a higher stability and longer life span due to
the reduced degradation effects of the active materials linked to the
binders in the cells. This development was the logical next step after
having brought the number of full charging and discharging cycles of our
cells above 15.000 cycles over their lifetime,' added Pierre Blanc, CTO of
Leclanché S.A. 'Once introduced throughout the entire production process in
the next few months, this new process will give us an additional unique
selling point in the marketplace.'
Leclanché began developing solvent-free electrode manufacture three years
ago. The conversion of the entire manufacturing process to the water-based
technique should coincide with the commissioning of Leclanché's new cell
production line in Willstätt with an installed annual capacity of
approximately 1 million cells, scheduled to be operational at the end of
the second quarter 2012.
About Leclanché
Leclanché specializes in the production of tailor-made energy storage
solutions and is a leading manufacturer of large-format lithium ion cells
in Europe. Through a unique, licensed separator technology, the core
element of lithium ion cells, Leclanché is capable of manufacturing cells
with above-average safety features and a significantly increased life in an
automated production process. The company's core markets are industries
which have highest demands on energy storage systems. They include energy
storage solutions, which allow better utilization of the power supply
system, large hybrid diesel engines and electric vehicles.
Leclanché has an installed annual production capacity of 100,000 large
format lithium-ion cells. To prepare for the increasing demand for this
technology, the company has decided to install an additional production
unit with a capacity of 1 million cells per year as of 2012.
Leclanché was founded in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains. Through the integration
of a spin-off from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2006, the company
developed from being a traditional battery manufacturer to becoming a
leading developer and manufacturer of lithium ion cells in Europe.
Leclanché currently employs 110 staff and recorded revenues of CHF 15.05
million in 2010. The company has its headquarters in Yverdon-les-Bains
(Switzerland) and has production facilities in Willstätt (Germany).
Leclanché is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LECN).
Media contact:
Christophe Lamps, Dynamics Group S.A.: Telephone: +41 79 476 26 87,
cla@dynamicsgroup.ch
Contact for German media:
Markus Wieser, CNC AG: Telephone: +49 89 599 458 114,
markus.wieser@cnc-communications.com
Disclaimer
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to
Leclanché's business, which can be identified by terminology such as
'strategic', 'proposes', 'to introduce', 'will', 'planned', 'expected',
'commitment', 'expects', 'set', 'preparing', 'plans', 'estimates', 'aims',
'would', 'potential', 'awaiting', 'estimated', 'proposal', or similar
expressions, or by expressed or implied discussions regarding the ramp up
of Leclanché's production capacity, potential applications for existing
products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or
potential future sales or earnings of Leclanché or any of its business
units. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such
forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Leclanché regarding
future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
statements. There can be no guarantee that Leclanché's products will
achieve any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that
Leclanché, or any of the business units, will achieve any particular
financial results.
12.10.2011 News transmitted by EquityStory AG.
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Language: English
Company: Leclanché SA
Av. des Sports 42
1400 Yverdon-les-Bains
Switzerland
Phone: +41 (24) 424 65-00
Fax: +41 (24) 424 65-20
E-mail: investors@leclanche.com
Internet: www.leclanche.com
ISIN: CH0016271550, CH0110303119
Swiss Security Number: 812950 , A1CUUB
Listed: SIX
End of Announcement EquityStory News-Service
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