Lead battery separator firm Daramic is set to double the capacity of its polyethylene (PE) separator manufacturing plant in India— just four years after opening the facility.
Daramic, an Asahi Kasei Group company, is expanding capacity at the plant in Dahej, Gujarat to meet the evolving needs of the lead-acid battery industry.
The expansion will enable the company to meet the full demand of Indian customers, as well as helping the firm ease the global supply chain challenges.
The expansion will open export possibilities to adjacent geographies for its lead-acid battery separators in automotive, industrial and specialty applications.
Ahila Krishnamoorthy, managing director, Daramic, said: “India continues to be a very exciting market for us as we have witnessed significant growth in the country.
“Today, we see a very strong future for lead-acid batteries in India, largely for innovative automotive solutions, industrial applications, and a growing demand for enhanced energy solutions from smaller cities.
“These factors are expected to drive the lead-acid battery market at a rapid pace in the coming decade. Our investment reaffirms our confidence in the country’s future and we are committed to cater to the country’s growing energy demands. We are creating optimal conditions to meet the increasing market demand and we are well poised to support India’s growth.”
Chad Schuchmann, president of Daramic, said: “We are delighted to expand the operating footprint of our state-of-the-art Dahej plant, which will be leveraged to enhance our output and market presence in India.
“The new production lines enable us to further strengthen our offerings, keep pace with anticipated market demand, and support the growth of the lead-acid battery industry that is set to grow substantially in the coming years.
“With the current tightening of the global supply chain, Daramic is positioned to meet demand of all major customers in India, with the ability to export to adjoining geographies if needed.
“Our Dahej plant is equipped to develop separators for batteries that meet modern requirements and create separator solutions that drive innovative market opportunities.”
Daramic was established over 90 years ago, and today makes PE separators as well as phenolic resin- based separators for automotive, industrial and specialty applications in the lead-acid battery industry.
The company has eight strategically located manufacturing facilities in the US, France, Germany, India, China and Thailand.
Daramic began its India operations in Bangalore in 2008.
In addition to the manufacturing and finishing facility, Daramic has an R&D center in Dahej and a finishing plant in Himachal Pradesh.
