Saft reinforces its leadership in advanced primary lithium cells

Saft has expanded its industry leading LM range of Li-MnO₂ batteries for general industrial applications while boosting production capacity and consolidating the Friwo-M range into its core brand

Paris, November 4, 2014

Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry, has made three important developments to reinforce the market leadership of its lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO₂) primary cells for smart metering, alarms & security, oil & gas, medical, automotive telematics and general industrial applications. These include: the introduction of three new cells within the LM range; a significant boost in production capacity; consolidation of the Friwo-M range into Saft’s core brand.

Saft has developed its Li-MnO₂ cells to provide critical power for industrial devices for a lifetime of up to 20 years, this generally exceeds the actual service life of the equipment which is a vital consideration as normally no design provision is made for battery replacement. The cells are specifically designed to meet the needs of industrial applications worldwide that require reliability, high power, high safety levels and a long life including ruggedized designs for demanding environments.

Lithium cells deliver high pulse capability

A key technical advantage of Saft Li-MnO₂ cells is their high pulse capability, with a high voltage response even after long dormant periods, or when operating in cold conditions. The cells also offer unrivalled capacities, extremely low self discharge (less than one percent per year) and high quality cell construction compatible with a 20 year plus lifetime. An added advantage is their high level of safety, with specific designs being intrinsically safe and suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

LM cell range expanded and production capacity boosted

Saft has added three new cell variants to the existing range of LM cells – the LM17500 (A size), LM 26500 (C-size), LM 33600 (D-size). This extends its capacity to cover all requirements from 0.5 – 33 Ah (Amp-hours) to meet a broad range of customer applications.

To support the growth in demand for the LM range, Saft has made investments in its plant at Valdese in North Carolina, USA to create a high output automated manufacturing line capable of supporting increased needs. This ramp-up in production is scheduled for the second quarter of 2015.

Friwo cells rebranded with Saft M range

Starting early November 2014, Saft is bringing its Friwo M cells into its core brand. Cells manufactured in Büdingen, Germany that previously carried the Friwo trade name will now be known as ‘Saft M’ cells. The M range will remain focused on specialty designs for highly demanding applications. It includes the world’s only high-power primary lithium cells, certified according to ATEX/IECEx by an independent certification body, meaning that they are designed for safe and reliable high-power performance in potentially explosive atmospheres. Saft M cells have also proven their unique benefits in critical aerospace and defense applications.

Nicolas Paquin, Marketing Manager at Saft Specialty Battery Group said: “Our continued investment in  expending our ranges of lithium manganese dioxide cells and increasing production capacity demonstrates Saft’s commitment to meeting changing customer needs for primary lithium cells. This continuous effort in investment will help Saft reaching a new competitive edge of Li-MnO₂ technology.”

The new developments in Saft’s primary lithium cells will be presented at European Utility Week (Amsterdam, Nov 4 – 6 # 1B-60), at Electronica (Munich, Nov 11 – 14 # B2-666) and at Medica (Düsseldorf, Nov 12 -15 # 17-C24).

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics’ markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More than 3,800 employees in 18 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.

Saft batteries. Designed for industry

www.saftbatteries.com

Press contacts:

Saft
Jill Ledger, Saft Corporate Communications and Institutional Relations Director
Tel: +33 1 49 93 17 77, e-mail : jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com

Christelle Nay, Saft SBG Communication Manager,
Tel: + 33 5 45 90 37 55, e-mail : christelle.nay@saftbatteries.com

Brunswick
Julien Trosdorf, Tel.: +33 1 53 96 83 95
Benoît Grange, Tel.: +33 1 53 96 83 89
e-mail: saft@brunswickgroup.com