Ad-hoc | 15 May 2012 07:00
Leclanché SA / Key word(s): Product Launch
15.05.2012 07:00
Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR
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Leclanché
Press Release
Leclanché's lithium-ion cells pass successfully international safety test
performed by German TÜV
- Léclanché produces high tech lithium-ion cells and integrates them in
storage systems for renewable energies
- Cells using environmentally friendly production methods and with a long
life span
- German based TÜV Rheinland has successfully tested Leclanché's
lithium-ion cells, according to the demanding standard of the Battery
Safety Organisation 'BATSO'
- New production line with a capacity of 1 million cells operational in
Willstätt by mid-year
Yverdon-les-Bains, May 15, 2012 - Leclanché S.A. (SIX Swiss Exchange:
LECN), a Swiss company specialized in the production of large-format
lithium-ion cells has successfully passed the safety test for lithium-ion
cells according to the 01:2011 'BATSO' (Battery Safety Organization)
specifications. Performed by TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in inspection
services, these independent and demanding tests of the BATSO standard are
based on a number of electric and mechanic procedures and highlight the
high safety standard of the Leclanché cells.
'The energy revolution will only be possible when fluctuating electrical
energy from renewable energies sources can also be stored. Leclanché
develops and produces energy storage solutions based on our patented
lithium-ion technology. Our efficient energy storage solution is the
missing link which allows the use of renewable energy when needed. In this
respect the safety of our lithium-ion technology provides the best offer on
the market. Our patented ceramic separator and the specific cell design
provide a very high degree of stability, which is also reflected in the
performance and long life span of our cells. The modularity of our
technology further allows a broad range of applications including
stationary as well as mobile storage solutions,' said Dr. Ulrich Ehmes,
Chief Executive Officer of Leclanché SA.
At the beginning of the year, Leclanché delivered cells for the first
energy storage rack for the industrial energy storage market, featuring the
latest generation of lithium-ion cells. With its high safety
characteristics and up to 15'000 full charge and discharge cycles, the
Leclanché cells are particularly well suited for high cycle applications
such as the stabilization of grids or mass storage for wind and solar
energy.
The construction of new mass production line for large format lithium-ion
cells is currently being completed in Willstätt. By the end of the second
quarter 2012, Leclanché expects to commence commercial production in this
new unit encompassing a total surface of 6000m2. The new line will allow
the production of about 1 million large format 35 Ah cells with an
installed annual storage capacity of up to 76 MWh in lithium-ion-titanate
cells. In addition, Leclanché is one of the first cell producers to have
totally abandoned the use of solvents for the production of electrodes
required for the production of cells. Leclanché will present its energy
storage solutions at the Intersolar Exhibition from June 13-15, 2012.
About Leclanché
Leclanché specializes in the production of tailor-made energy storage
solutions. Leclanché's strategy is to expand its position as one of the
leading lithium-ion cell producers and solution providers for renewable
energy storage systems in Europe. Its initial strategic priority is
stationary home electric energy storage applications and expansion into the
stationary industrial and grid electricity storage markets. Through
participation in research consortia focusing on off-road and automotive
applications, Leclanché is positioned to take advantage of new market
opportunities.
Through a licensed ceramic separator technology and focus on
lithium-titanate technology, Leclanché manufactures large-format
lithium-ion cells optimized for safety and cycle-life in a fully automated
production process. Leclanché currently operates a fully automated pilot
production line with an installed annual production capacity of up to 4 MWh
in large-format lithium-ion cells. By the end of the second quarter of
2012, Leclanché expects to commence commercial production at its first mass
production line with an installed annual capacity of up to 76 MWh in
lithium-titanate cells.
Leclanché was founded in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains. Through the integration
of a spin-off from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2006, the company evolved
from a traditional battery manufacturer to become a leading developer and
manufacturer of lithium-ion cells in Europe. Leclanché currently employs
120 staff and recorded revenues of CHF 13.4 million in 2011. The company
has its headquarters in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland) and production
facilities in Willstätt (Germany). Leclanché is listed on the SIX Swiss
Exchange (LECN).
About TÜV Rheinland
TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services,
founded 140 years ago. The Group maintains a presence at around 500
locations in 65 countries with 16,000 employees. Annual turnover is EUR 1.4
billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people,
the environment, and technology in nearly all aspects of life. TÜV
Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, oversees
projects and helps to shape processes for companies.
Contact for Swiss media:
Christophe Lamps, Dynamics Group S.A.: Telephone: +41 22 308 62 22,
cla@dynamicsgroup.ch
Contact for International 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.
15.05.2012 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: CH0110303119, CH0016271550
Swiss Security Number: A1CUUB, 812950
Listed: SIX
End of Announcement EquityStory News-Service
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