Group14 Technologies Acquires Schmid Silicon

Group14 Technologies Acquires Schmid Silicon Group14 Technologies, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon battery technology, has acquired Schmid Silicon Technology Holding GmbH (Schmid Silicon), Europe's most technologically advanced silane producer, in a landmark move to strengthen its global battery supply chain and meet worldwide demand for silicon battery technology. As part of the acquisition, Group14 will operationalize Schmid Silicon's state-of-the-art silane facility in Spreetal (Schwarze Pumpe), Germany, to support its expanding European operations. This milestone serves to insulate Group14's customers and partners, particularly in the automotive industry, from potential supply chain disruptions and enables the company to localize integrated silicon battery technology production in Europe. Group14's acquisition of Schmid Silicon secures reliable supply of silane gas, a critical precursor to the award-winning silicon battery technology SCC55™. The acquisition combines Schmid Silicon's proven, ultra-high purity and low-carbon silane process technology with Group14's commercially validated production capabilities to deliver high energy density silicon battery materials—a more sustainable and higher-performing alternative that pushes the boundaries of lithium-ion batteries to keep pace with the global energy transition. As part of the acquisition, Group14 plans to retain and integrate all current Schmid Silicon employees while also offering training for additional hiring to support the transition from traditional energy sectors to clean energy. Once the facility is operational, Group14 plans to increase its workforce up to fivefold and has begun exploration work for its first European office to be established in Germany. "We have successfully scaled our proven process innovation at Group14 across a broad customer base from consumer electronics to automotive and beyond. Acquiring Schmid Silicon's energy-efficient process technology and facility was a natural step as we continue to meet the dramatic increase in demand for advanced battery technology while also supporting the European Union's decarbonization strategies," said a Group14 representative. Once Group14's silane facility becomes operational, the company will serve as a critical foothold in Europe as it continues global expansion as part of its roadmap to establish modular factories in key markets, positioning itself to meet electrification demand across the globe. Today, Group14 is shipping SCC55™ from its first commercial-scale facility in Washington State to customers representing more than 90 percent of global lithium-ion battery production, building its second U.S. facility in Moses Lake, and completing commissioning of its joint venture facility with SK in South Korea. Rick Luebbe, CEO and co-founder of Group14 Technologies, said, "Group14 is growing rapidly in critical markets, and we look forward to being closer to our European automotive customers to support the global energy transition." "Germany has long been home to many of the world's largest and oldest automakers, and we eagerly anticipate taking this first step in bringing forward a flexible silicon battery supply chain that can meet global demand."   Source