Group14 Technologies, the leading global manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon battery technology, has acquired Schmid Silicon Technology Holding GmbH (Schmid Silicon), the most technologically advanced silane producer in Europe. The acquisition will help Group14 to secure a supply of silane gas, a critical precursor for its award-winning silicon battery technology, SCC55.
The acquisition also marries Schmid Silicon’s proven, ultra-high-purity and low-carbon silane process technology with Group14’s commercially proven manufacturing capabilities. This will allow Group14 to deliver high-energy density silicon battery materials – a more sustainable and higher-performing alternative that pushes the boundaries of lithium-ion batteries to keep pace with the global energy transition.
As part of the acquisition, Group14 plans to retain and integrate all current Schmid Silicon employees, while also offering training to transition additional hires from traditional energy sectors into clean energy. Once the factory is online and operational, Group14 expects to grow its headcount as much as 5x.
“We have successfully scaled our proven process innovation at Group14 for a wide customer base, from consumer electronics to automotive and beyond,” said Rick Costantino, CTO & co-founder of Group14 Technologies. “Our acquisition of Schmid Silicon’s highly energy-efficient process technology and factory was a natural step as we continue to meet the dramatic uptick in demand for advanced battery technology while also supporting the European Union’s decarbonization strategies.”
Once operational, Group14’s silane factory will be a critical foothold into Europe as the company continues to expand worldwide. Today, Group14 is already shipping SCC55 to customers representing over 90 percent of worldwide lithium-ion battery production from its first commercial-scale factory in Washington State. The company is also building its second U.S. factory in Moses Lake and completing the commissioning of its joint venture factory with SK in South Korea.
“Group14 has been rapidly growing across critical markets, and now we’re looking forward to being closer to our automotive customers in Europe to support the global energy transition,” said Rick Luebbe, CEO & co-founder of Group14 Technologies. “Germany has long been the home for many of the world’s largest and oldest automakers, and we’re looking forward to putting this critical stake in the ground to bring forth a resilient silicon battery supply chain capable of meeting global demand right now.”
The acquisition of Schmid Silicon is a significant milestone for Group14 as it continues to expand its global footprint and meet the growing demand for advanced battery technology. The company is well-positioned to play a leading role in the global energy transition as it helps to deliver more sustainable and high-performing battery solutions.
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