Long-term Promotion of Next-generation Battery Separator Technology Development
Kim Cheol-jung, President of SK IE Technology (hereinafter SKIET), stated, "We are carefully considering entering the North American market, where high growth is expected."
In his first year in office, President Kim recently said in an interview with SK Innovation's news channel SKinno News, "We will secure competitiveness that can lead in any region through strengthening the physical properties and quality uniformity of separators, followed by automation through productivity innovation." SKIET has production sites in Korea, China, and Europe. This is part of their plan to build global supply chain competitiveness to respond to geopolitical issues.
President Kim identified strengthening technological competitiveness, securing cost competitiveness, establishing a global supply system, and ESG management as key tasks to secure SKIET's competitive advantage. The strategy is to enhance the separator technology and global production strengths accumulated by SKIET to expand the customer portfolio.
He said, "We will strive to grow beyond a global lithium-ion battery separator (LiBS) company into a top-tier green materials company," and declared 2023 as the starting point for SKIET's leap forward.
Although "uncertain variables are everywhere," President Kim emphasized, "There is no doubt about the growth of the electric vehicle market." Accordingly, he predicted that the separator market will grow alongside it and stressed that thorough preparation and multifaceted analysis are necessary to gain an advantage in this competition.
Regarding mid- to long-term tasks, President Kim stated, "Based on our differentiated membrane, coating, and synthesis capabilities, we will promote the commercialization of promising green materials and continuously create new business opportunities to lead the market." He also announced plans to prepare for the development of separators for next-generation batteries.
On ESG management, he said, "We will promote clean processes in manufacturing plants and continuously expand the adoption of eco-friendly power," emphasizing, "Our efforts and sincere activities will have a positive impact on enhancing corporate value."
Finally, he said, "I believe the current competitive situation is a good opportunity to further strengthen our fundamental competitiveness," and added, "SKIET will be a company with even greater growth prospects ahead than its history so far."
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