Asahi Kasei is expanding its production of separators for lithium-ion batteries in North America. At its site in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company has opened a new coating facility for wet-process Hipore separators. Commercial production is scheduled to begin in the second half of fiscal 2026.
The facility complements the existing Celgard plant in Charlotte. Asahi Kasei has produced dry-process separators there since 1986. With the new line, the company plans to coat and supply wet-process separators in North America as well. The investment decision was made in 2023.
Asahi Kasei Builds Regional Supply Structure
The coating line processes separators sold under the Hipore brand. According to the company’s plans, it represents a first step toward establishing a regional supply structure for wet-process separators.
Asahi Kasei attributes the expansion to expected growth in battery demand in North America. In addition to electric vehicles, stationary energy storage systems are expected to generate further demand.
In parallel, Asahi Kasei is building another production facility in Canada. Together, the two sites are intended to supply the North American market. The Charlotte facility is also covered by a capacity rights agreement with Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
