08.03.06
Freudenberg Nonwovens has acquired SciMAT, a leading finisher of battery separators based in Swindon, U.K. This acquisition reinforces Freudenberg's strategic position as one of the leading manufacturers of high-grade battery separators for nickel metal-hydride batteries (Ni/MH). The process developed and patented by SciMAT for the finishing of battery separators is of particular interest for high quality Ni/MH batteries and for the growing market in hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV). Due to their hydrophobic characteristics, nonwoven separators require additional treatment, which not only achieves efficient wettability but also minimizes the self-discharge of these high-grade batteries.
"Our customers will profit from our combined know-how and the outstanding position of both companies in the market,” explained Christian Marx, general manager of Freudenberg Nonwovens Europe. "In the past, we used SciMAT's advanced surface treatment technology to further process our high-grade nonwoven separators. Thanks to the acquisition of the SciMAT technology, we can now offer our customers first-class separator solutions from one source."
The SciMAT operations will be integrated into Freudenberg Nonwovens’ Greetland, U.K. facility.
"Our customers will profit from our combined know-how and the outstanding position of both companies in the market,” explained Christian Marx, general manager of Freudenberg Nonwovens Europe. "In the past, we used SciMAT's advanced surface treatment technology to further process our high-grade nonwoven separators. Thanks to the acquisition of the SciMAT technology, we can now offer our customers first-class separator solutions from one source."
The SciMAT operations will be integrated into Freudenberg Nonwovens’ Greetland, U.K. facility.