North American lithium-ion firm A123 Systems is set to double its global manufacturing capacity to 1.5 GWh to meet demand.
An additional $200+million of investment is planned over the next three years, with further investments anticipated as target markets develop.
A123 is currently in the middle of a $100 million capital expansion across its manufacturing network.
The investment program comes as the developer and manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries and systems forecasts growth of more than 50% this year.
Additional capacity will support applications and customer programs including low voltage hybrids, plug-in passenger vehicles and commercial vehicle programs.
Its manufacturing hubs in Michigan, U.S. and Hangzhou and Changzhou in China are already operating at capacity.
A123 offers multiple lithium-ion chemistries and cell designs for different applications.
The company reports multiple production awards for 48V micro-hybrid, and in China is seeing growth of plug-in vehicles in both the passenger vehicle and bus segments.
Picture: Jason Forcier, CEO of A123 Systems
