Sanyo Electric Co. is declining to comment on reports that it plans to spend about 20 billion yen to build a lithium-ion battery plant in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan. Construction of the plant will begin in Minamiawaji as early as this month in order to have it producing by the spring of 2009. Construction of another lithium-ion battery plant for Sanyo is under way in Kaizuka, Osaka Prefecture, east of Hyogo.
It is stated that the two plants will raise Sanyo’s monthly capacity for lithium-ion batteries to 90 million units from the current 70 million units. It is claimed that the production boost is part of Sanyo’s plan to solidify its role as the world’s top maker of lithium-ion batteries used in personal computers, mobile phones and portable music players.
Under its ongoing mid-term business plan, Sanyo has earmarked 125 billion yen in capital spending for its rechargeable battery business.
