Wuxi Hitachi Maxell Co. Ltd. (WHM, China) has launched the second phase of its alkaline-based battery cell and lithium-ion rechargeable battery-expansion project. The $35.0 million expansion project includes a production hike for alkaline-based battery cells and the installation of additional production lines for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.
The company expects to produce an annual output of 240 million units of alkaline-based battery cells and three million units of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries per month. Currently, WHM owns five production lines that consist of three alkaline-based, battery cell equipment and two lithium-ion battery equipment. The company reported that its alkaline-based battery cells take up a 50-percent share of its Hitachi Maxell portfolio. The products are usually sold to mobile phone makers in Japan, US, Hong Kong and Singapore.
