BASF have announced that they will open a new research and development laboratory and an application technology center for battery materials in Amagasaki, Japan. The facilities will be fully operational by the end of 2013. The laboratory will focus on researching electrolytes and electrode materials for high-performance batteries as part of BASF’s global R&D network. The application technologycenter will aim to enhance service and to develop tailor-made solutions for the battery industry in Japan.
“The new Amagasaki Battery Materials Lab will enable us to extend our successful R&D network with research institutes and the industry into Japan,” said Dr. Andreas Fischer, Vice President Battery Research and Electrochemistry at BASF. “Our aim is to develop innovative materials for high-performance batteries that will significantly improve battery performance for electric cars and consumer applications.” In addition, the company will benefit from synergies with existing BASF research platforms in Amagasaki. “By extending our local R&D infrastructure we can successfully involve the competences of our researchers from other BASF divisions,” explained Fischer.
Amagasaki, in the Kansai area, is the ideal location for the new Application Technology Center for Battery Materials. “Japan is one of the leading countries for battery manufacturing and development,” said Dr. Joerg-Christian Steck, Representative Director and President of BASF Japan . “Being present in Japan brings us closer to our customers and helps us better serve their needs.”
“The Amagasaki Battery Materials Lab will allow us to provide customized solutions to highly developed battery companies in the region and throughout Japan,” said Dr. Adrian Steinmetz, Vice President Battery Materials at BASF. “This includes battery materials solutions for both consumer electronics like smartphones and tablet computers as well as electromobility.”
The first researchers will start their work at the new laboratory in April 2013. Until the end of 2013 new offices and labs located on a 600 square meter site will be utilized, with the option of growing further in the future. The total investment amount for the new Amagasaki facility is several million euros.
Source: BASF
