Asahi Kasei opens battery separator coating line in North Carolina

Asahi Kasei Corp. has inaugurated a new Hipore™ wet-process lithium-ion battery separator coating line in Charlotte, North Carolina. This expansion of the existing Celgard® manufacturing facility is a central component of the company’s strategy to establish a regional supply structure for battery separators in North America.

The investment, which was decided upon in 2023, aims to meet rising demand for batteries in both the electric vehicle sector and energy storage systems. Commercial production at the new line is scheduled to commence during the second half of fiscal year 2026.

The opening ceremony coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Charlotte facility, which has produced dry-process separators in the United States since 1986. The project involves stakeholders including Toyota Tsusho Corp., which has entered into a capacity rights agreement related to the facility.