TMCnet News
DGAP-Adhoc: Leclanché's lithium-ion cells pass successfully international safety test performed by German TÜV(DGAP Ad Hoc Disclosures Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Leclanché SA / Key word(s): Product Launch 15.05.2012 07:00 Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leclanché Press Release Leclanché's lithium-ion cells pass successfully international safety test performed by German TÜV - Léclanché produces high tech lithium-ion cells and integrates them in storage systems for renewable energies - Cells using environmentally friendly production methods and with a long life span - German based TÜV Rheinland has successfully tested Leclanché's lithium-ion cells, according to the demanding standard of the Battery Safety Organisation 'BATSO' - New production line with a capacity of 1 million cells operational in Willstätt by mid-year Yverdon-les-Bains, May 15, 2012 - Leclanché S.A. (SIX Swiss Exchange: LECN), a Swiss company specialized in the production of large-format lithium-ion cells has successfully passed the safety test for lithium-ion cells according to the 01:2011 'BATSO' (Battery Safety Organization) specifications. Performed by TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in inspection services, these independent and demanding tests of the BATSO standard are based on a number of electric and mechanic procedures and highlight the high safety standard of the Leclanché cells. 'The energy revolution will only be possible when fluctuating electrical energy from renewable energies sources can also be stored. Leclanché develops and produces energy storage solutions based on our patented lithium-ion technology. Our efficient energy storage solution is the missing link which allows the use of renewable energy when needed. In this respect the safety of our lithium-ion technology provides the best offer on the market. Our patented ceramic separator and the specific cell design provide a very high degree of stability, which is also reflected in the performance and long life span of our cells. The modularity of our technology further allows a broad range of applications including stationary as well as mobile storage solutions,' said Dr. Ulrich Ehmes, Chief Executive Officer of Leclanché SA. At the beginning of the year, Leclanché delivered cells for the first energy storage rack for the industrial energy storage market, featuring the latest generation of lithium-ion cells. With its high safety characteristics and up to 15'000 full charge and discharge cycles, the Leclanché cells are particularly well suited for high cycle applications such as the stabilization of grids or mass storage for wind and solar energy. The construction of new mass production line for large format lithium-ion cells is currently being completed in Willstätt. By the end of the second quarter 2012, Leclanché expects to commence commercial production in this new unit encompassing a total surface of 6000m2. The new line will allow the production of about 1 million large format 35 Ah cells with an installed annual storage capacity of up to 76 MWh in lithium-ion-titanate cells. In addition, Leclanché is one of the first cell producers to have totally abandoned the use of solvents for the production of electrodes required for the production of cells. Leclanché will present its energy storage solutions at the Intersolar Exhibition from June 13-15, 2012. About Leclanché Leclanché specializes in the production of tailor-made energy storage solutions. Leclanché's strategy is to expand its position as one of the leading lithium-ion cell producers and solution providers for renewable energy storage systems in Europe. Its initial strategic priority is stationary home electric energy storage applications and expansion into the stationary industrial and grid electricity storage markets. Through participation in research consortia focusing on off-road and automotive applications, Leclanché is positioned to take advantage of new market opportunities. Through a licensed ceramic separator technology and focus on lithium-titanate technology, Leclanché manufactures large-format lithium-ion cells optimized for safety and cycle-life in a fully automated production process. Leclanché currently operates a fully automated pilot production line with an installed annual production capacity of up to 4 MWh in large-format lithium-ion cells. By the end of the second quarter of 2012, Leclanché expects to commence commercial production at its first mass production line with an installed annual capacity of up to 76 MWh in lithium-titanate cells. Leclanché was founded in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains. Through the integration of a spin-off from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2006, the company evolved from a traditional battery manufacturer to become a leading developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion cells in Europe. Leclanché currently employs 120 staff and recorded revenues of CHF 13.4 million in 2011. The company has its headquarters in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland) and production facilities in Willstätt (Germany). Leclanché is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LECN). About TÜV Rheinland TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 140 years ago. The Group maintains a presence at around 500 locations in 65 countries with 16,000 employees. Annual turnover is EUR 1.4 billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, the environment, and technology in nearly all aspects of life. TÜV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, oversees projects and helps to shape processes for companies. Contact for Swiss media: Christophe Lamps, Dynamics Group S.A.: Telephone: +41 22 308 62 22, [email protected] Contact for International media: Markus Wieser, CNC AG: Telephone: +49 89 599 458 114, [email protected] Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to Leclanché's business, which can be identified by terminology such as 'strategic', 'proposes', 'to introduce', 'will', 'planned', 'expected', 'commitment', 'expects', 'set', 'preparing', 'plans', 'estimates', 'aims', 'would', 'potential', 'awaiting', 'estimated', 'proposal', or similar expressions, or by expressed or implied discussions regarding the ramp up of Leclanché's production capacity, potential applications for existing products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or potential future sales or earnings of Leclanché or any of its business units. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Leclanché regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that Leclanché's products will achieve any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that Leclanché, or any of the business units, will achieve any particular financial results. 15.05.2012 News transmitted by EquityStory AG. The issuer is responsible for the contents of the release. EquityStory publishes regulatory releases, media releases on the capital market and press releases. The EquityStory Group distributes authentic and real-time financial news for over 1'300 listed companies. The Swiss news archive can be found at www.equitystory.ch/news --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Leclanché SA Av. des Sports 42 1400 Yverdon-les-Bains Switzerland Phone: +41 (24) 424 65-00 Fax: +41 (24) 424 65-20 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.leclanche.com ISIN: CH0110303119, CH0016271550 Swiss Security Number: A1CUUB, 812950 Listed: SIX End of Announcement EquityStory News-Service --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |