GS Yuasa has celebrated 45 years of manufacturing in Wales with a visit to its Ebbw Vale factory by Japan’s ambassador to the UK.
Hiroshi Suzuki and other dignitaries toured the factory on October 14, where the ambassador highlighted the Japan-headquartered company’s long-standing investment, innovative battery technology and commitment to sustainability.
GS Yuasa Battery Manufacturing UK, established in 1981, has produced more than 90 million batteries, with over 60% of its products exported, primarily to European markets.
Ebbw Vale manufactures Yuasa industrial batteries that provide backup power for critical applications including data centres, UPS systems, telecoms and emergency infrastructure.
Latest innovations at the site include Yuasa’s advanced SWL+ range, which uses hybrid pure-lead technology and the firm’s HT Element X Alloy — which Yuasa said delivers high-rate performance and a design life of up to 15 years, incorporating recycled materials and designed to be 98% recyclable.
On sustainability, the visit showcased Yuasa’s investment in more sustainable manufacturing including almost 3,000 solar panels on site, wind energy generation and an innovative dual-chemistry battery energy storage system to increase use of renewable energy and reduce reliance on externally supplied electricity.
The hybrid lead acid and lithium ion BESS, unveiled in 2017, was deployed in the UK to deliver peak shifting services through a partnership that includes the Infinite Group, University of Sheffield, Innovate UK and GS Yuasa.
Shaun Gardner, MD of GS Yuasa Battery Manufacturing UK, said: “By combining Japanese engineering excellence with Welsh manufacturing expertise, we continue to develop innovative products such as SWL+ while investing in more sustainable production. We’re proud of our heritage and remain firmly committed to the future of battery manufacturing in South Wales.”
Earlier this year, GS Yuasa revealed plans to expand traction battery operations and its distribution network across European markets.
