LionVolt acquires AMTE Power battery cell production line in Scotland

By Team IO

LionVolt – a 2022 Gerard and Anton Award winner – has acquired a battery cell production line in Thurso, Scotland. Based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, LionVolt is leveraging the region’s extensive experience in thin film technology to develop a 3D electrode architecture to enable next-generation batteries. Unique selling points of the company’s products include enhanced energy density, a longer cycle life, higher charging speed, and improved safety.

AMTE Power, which has its manufacturing plant in Thurso, went bust in December with 40 jobs at risk and in an apparent blow to the UK’s net zero industry. Directors filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, with FRP advisory launching a process to find a buyer. It has now been confirmed that administrators have completed the sale of the business and assets to LionVolt.

BIC

Alongside its core innovation team at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Lionvolt is building a pilot production line at the Brainport Industries Campus (BIC) to develop and commercialize its 3D-structured electrodes. The BIC pilot line allows the company to step up its first production capacity in an ecosystem that supports LionVolt’s growth ambitions.

LionVolt chooses Brainport Industries Campus for the production of its solid-state batteries

The production of batteries is crucial in dealing with many of today’s global challenges, especially in the drive to net zero.

The acquisition of the battery production site in Scotland brings new complementary capabilities to the company and sets LionVolt up for the next growth phase. The site will be repurposed to manufacture battery cells that embed LionVolt’s innovative 3D technology. In addition, LionVolt will take on an experienced team, allowing it to build on years of battery cell manufacturing know-how. 

“This brings us a complementary skill set that we currently do not have within LionVolt, along with a manufacturing capability that will complement our pilot line facility at the BIC”, LionVolt CEO Kevin Brundish said.

Richard Bloomfield, director at FRP, said: “The acquisition by LionVolt presented the best opportunity to secure jobs and fulfill our statutory duties to creditors. The transaction follows an exhaustive sales process and searches for new investments. Critically, it preserves a large number of jobs and provides a continuation of battery cell manufacturing in Scotland.”