Asahi Kasei Unveils New Wet-Process Separator Coating Line in North Carolina, Advancing the Company’s 40-Year North American Battery Separator Strategy

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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, marking a significant milestone in the execution of the company’s North American battery separator strategy. The investment expands production capacity at the company’s existing Celgard^® manufacturing facility, establishing North America-based coating and supply capabilities for its wet-process separator technology.

The facility represents the first step toward establishing 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 grand opening coincided with the 40^th 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 who supported the project’s development.

The investment comes as North American battery demand is expected to expand beyond electric vehicles, supported by the increasing deployment of energy storage systems. 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 Celgard^® 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.”

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 will 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.

About Asahi Kasei

Asahi Kasei is a diversified global company that contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922, with businesses in ammonia and cellulose fiber, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through proactive portfolio transformation to meet the evolving needs of every age. With 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainability by providing solutions to the world’s challenges across its three business sectors: Healthcare, Homes, and Material. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/.