While the advanced battery industry has experienced a tepid start in West Michigan, one executive thinks the sector is just beginning to explore its market opportunities.
Despite overcapacity concerns and slow sales of vehicles featuring advanced batteries – not to mention a shakeout of some companies in the developing industry – MaryAnn Wright, the global vice president of technology and innovation for Johnson Controls Inc., believes the advanced battery industry still has a strong foundation from which to grow.
Speaking at a Lakeshore Advantage event held earlier this month at Michigan State University’s Bioeconomy Institute in Holland, Wright said JCI’s production of lithium-ion batteries pales in comparison to the 140 million lead-acid batteries it makes per year. However, the company is seeing growth in shipments to European customers of advanced batteries it makes in Holland.
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The industry is also not without competition. LG Chem Compact Power Inc., which has a plant in Holland that is expected to begin production this fall after a string of delays, remains a formidable operation, Wright said, noting it is in the top three of global producers of lithium-ion batteries.
She expects strong competitors like LG Chem will be able to persevere as the industry develops.
Meanwhile, JCI continues to install incremental capacity for advanced batteries at its facilities as the customer base grows.
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