Released on 13/12/12

Materials technology group Umicore and the Evonik Group subsidiary Evonik Litarion GmbH have announced a business relationship for the supply of lithium-ion cathode materials. Evonik selected Umicore as the supplier of cathode materials for large format Li-ion batteries that are used in electric vehicles and in energy storage systems for stationary applications.

Evonik manufactures battery cell components for large format Li-ion batteries in Kamenz, Germany. Li-ion rechargeable batteries are seen as one of the most promising solutions for advanced energy storage systems in electric vehicles.

Umicore’s Cellcore®MX, a Li-ion NMC (Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt) cathode material, offers an engineered material solution to optimize electric vehicle requirements of power, energy, safety and battery cycle life.

Dr. Henrik Hahn, Spokesman of the Board of Management of Evonik Litarion GmbH, commented: "Through its materials know how, extensive production capacity, sustainable sourcing and manufacturing process, Umicore serves for us as an ideal partner for our business."

Dr. Kurt Vandeputte, Senior Business Director for Umicore’s Rechargeable Battery Materials business unit commented: "We are delighted to be selected by a major producer in the emerging European market for large format lithium ion rechargeable batteries. This is a strong signal of recognition for our expertise and it reinforces our long-term commitment towards Li-ion technology as an enabler for electrified transportation. This agreement with Evonik underlines the attractiveness of our product, our quality management systems, production capabilities and close customer relationships."

Umicore is a global materials technology group. It focuses on application areas where its expertise in materials science, chemistry and metallurgy makes a real difference. Its activities are centred on four business areas: Catalysis, Energy Materials, Performance Materials and Recycling. Each business area is divided into market focused business units offering materials and solutions that are at the cutting edge of new technological developments and essential to everyday life.
Umicore generates the majority of its revenues and dedicates most of its R&D efforts to clean technologies, such as emission control catalysts, materials for rechargeable batteries and photovoltaics, fuel cells, and recycling. Umicore’s overriding goal of sustainable value creation is based on an ambition to develop, produce and recycle materials in a way that fulfils its mission: materials for a better life.
The Umicore Group has industrial operations on all continents and serves a global customer base; it generated a turnover of €14.5 billion (€2.3 billion excluding metal) in 2011 and currently employs some 14,600 people.


Source EVONIK Official Press Release