Asahi Kasei opens separator coating line in Charlotte

Asahi Kasei held a grand opening ceremony on August 20 for its new Hipore wet-process lithium-ion battery separator coating line in Charlotte, North Carolina. The project marks a milestone in the implementation of the company’s North American battery separator strategy. The investment expands production capacity at Asahi Kasei’s existing Celgard manufacturing facility and establishes coating and supply capabilities in North America for the company’s wet-process separator technology. The facility is presented as the first step toward building a regional supply structure for wet-process separators. The investment decision was made in 2023, and commercial production is scheduled to begin in the second half of fiscal 2026.

The opening also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Celgard manufacturing facility in Charlotte, which has been producing dry-process separators in the United States since 1986. The ceremony brought together local government officials, representatives of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, which has entered into a capacity rights agreement related to the facility, and other stakeholders involved in the project’s development.

Regional battery demand and supply capabilities

The investment is taking place as North American battery demand is expected to expand beyond electric vehicles, supported by the increasing deployment of energy storage systems. According to the company, although the separator market remains competitive, improving regional market conditions are creating opportunities for suppliers with localized production and responsive supply capabilities.

"Opening the Charlotte coating line is a key milestone in establishing our North American supply platform for battery separators," said Ryu Taniguchi, President of Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Corporation. "By leveraging Celgard’s experienced workforce and established operations, we are expanding our North American product portfolio to include both dry-process and Hipore wet-process technologies. Together with our planned separator facility in Canada, this investment will bring production capabilities closer to the region’s battery market and position Asahi Kasei to swiftly respond as demand grows across electric vehicles and energy storage systems."

Canadian facility to complement the Charlotte line

Construction of Asahi Kasei’s wet-process separator facility in Canada is also progressing according to plan. Together, the Charlotte coating line and the Canadian plant are intended to establish a regional supply framework for wet-process separators, strengthening the company’s manufacturing presence and market position in North America.

The investments support Asahi Kasei’s broader growth strategy for Energy & Infrastructure, which is designated as a Growth Potential area of business under the company’s medium-term management plan.