AEA Celebrates Year Of Success
01st January 2004
At the end of its third year, Caithness-based AEA Battery Systems (AEA) has had a busy year and announces today, its most successful year yet.
Since moving to Thurso in 2001 and co-locating with AEA's Joint Venture company AGM Batteries Ltd, the companies have more than doubled in size, received top awards and accreditations, as well as signing a number of significant new contracts.
Highlights of 2003:
Increasing Turnover: expected to increase by more than 50% by the end of the financial year.
22% rise in workforce: With a permanent workforce of 155 and an additional 35 on short-term contracts to meet current business demands, this underlines the phenomenal growth that the business is experiencing.
Investing in people: Achieved the much sought after Investors In People accreditation in June 2003. AGM Batteries Ltd was also one of 12 Scottish companies to receive a Scottish Training Award from the National Training Awards (NTA) organisation for its innovative training programme devised with its Japanese partners (Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd & Mitsubishi Materials Corporation) to provide training to meet the requirements of a high-tech business with the most demanding customers. The training programme covers a series of steps to significantly reduce skills gaps and improve productivity. In 2002/2003 the programme was a key factor in helping us achieve profitability.
BOWMAN production: Full scale production of 6 different types of batteries and 2 chargers for the BOWMAN battlefield communications programme began in August 03. The batteries and chargers are currently, being trialled by the Royal Anglians with wider roll out scheduled to start mid-2004.
Space batteries for Mars: In July 03, AEA's Lithium-ion batteries were launched, powering the Mars Express and Beagle2 Lander mission. Expected Mars Landing is Christmas Day 2003.
Continued new product development with the groundbreaking launch of AGM's new 'Chikara' cell. A high capacity Lithium-ion Cell (battery), developed specifically for a 24-hour-mission-life HF (high frequency) radio. Meeting specific requirements for the US armed forces, this is an excellent example of our flexibility to develop tailored solutions to meet demanding customer needs.
AEA signs agreement for next generation battery technology with US materials company, FMC Lithium. The new technology will be market-leading by offering an increase in portable energy of at least 30%.
AGM Batteries signs deal with US company, Wilson Greatbatch Inc. for the use of its advanced Lithium-ion cells in next generation medical applications including cardiac assist devices.
Reflecting on the year's successes David Loughborough, Managing Director of AEA Battery Systems, said:
"This has been a really great year for both AGM Batteries & AEA Battery Systems, with successes on all fronts, people, contracts and new developments. The successes have all been about team work - with our Japanese partners, with business partners such as Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise and, most of all, our dedicated and committed staff."
Further long-term commitment to Scotland:
New Recycling Plant: AEA Technology plc further commitment to the north of Scotland, with the launch of a new facility in Golspie, to develop world-beating technology for the recycling of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
Technology Centre: The imminent opening of AEA's technology centre in Glengarnock, near Glasgow where the chargers for the BOWMAN portable power systems will be produced.
--Ends--
Further Information
For more information please contact:
Adrian Chitty/Louise Ellis, Good Relations, 020 7861 3030, .
Catriona Watson, AEA Battery Systems, 01847 808 017, .
Notes to Editors
AEA Battery Systems
AEA Battery Systems is a world-leading battery technology supplier. AEA's reputation derives from the Lithium-ion materials technology, which it originally patented. The company researches, designs, develops and manufactures advanced battery packs and chargers for highly demanding markets including defence, aerospace, marine and medical.
AGM Batteries Ltd
AGM Batteries Ltd is a Joint Venture Company 60% owned by AEA Technology plc. It manufactures specialist Lithium-ion cells, for performance critical applications. It employs the manufacturing and materials expertise of its partners - Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd (22% ownership) and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (18% ownership) to produce world-leading products.
In total, the company currently employs 200 people in the UK between sites in Thurso, Glengarnock and Culham.
AEA Battery Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEA Technology plc. AEA Technology plc has core businesses in environment and rail and a portfolio of development businesses to which AEA Battery Systems belongs.
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