Valmet Automotive expands battery testing services in Germany

Valmet Automotive is expanding its battery testing services in Germany. This new expansion will double the number of testing stations at the battery testing center in Bad Friedrichshall. Additionally, a new storage and logistics center has been launched at the same facility. The testing center will evaluate various aspects of batteries, including lifespan, thermal management, and environmental impacts.

“With this expansion, we will be able to offer the best possible support and solutions for both the product development of battery systems and mass production,” said Stefan Sommer, the director in charge of battery testing operations, in a company press release. The company is also planning further investments to enhance its service and analytics offerings, particularly for battery systems in heavy-duty vehicles and industrial machinery.

According to Valmet Automotive, the expansion supports the company’s strategic shift to focus on in-house battery systems for industrial applications. The battery division has shown rapid growth, with the latest financial results indicating a revenue of approximately €5.45 million for the last fiscal year, up from €640,000 in 2022. This growth is driven by an increase in revenue, with approximately €250 million recorded last year, compared to €190 million the previous year.

In 2023, the company plans to invest over €11 million in operations and €67 million in product development. However, as operations expand, costs have also risen, with personnel expenses in the battery division growing from €50 million to €60 million. At the end of last year, Valmet Automotive EV Power employed around 1,000 people in Finland and Germany. The company operates three battery factories in Germany and produces batteries in Salo and Uusikaupunki, Finland, which also houses its headquarters. The group planned to go public in 2022 but ultimately canceled its listing.