Asahi Kasei announced the official opening of its new Hipore wet-process lithium-ion battery separator coating line in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking a significant milestone in the execution of the company’s North American battery separator strategy.

Local government officials, representatives of Asahi Kasei, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and other stakeholders at the grand opening ceremony on August 20, 2026.

The facility represents the first step toward establishing a regional supply structure for wet-process separators. The investment decision was made in 2023, and commercial production is scheduled to begin in the second half of fiscal 2026.

As battery demand in North American is expected to expand beyond electric vehicles, supported by the increasing deployment of energy storage systems, Asahi Kasei’s new facility secures the company’s localized production and supply capabilities for separator market.

The grand opening also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Celgard manufacturing facility in Charlotte, which has been producing dry-process separators in the United States since 1986.

Further expanding supply capabilities in North America

Construction of Asahi Kasei’s wet-process separator facility in Canada is also progressing according to plan. Together, the Charlotte coating line and the Canadian plant will establish a regional supply framework for wet-process separators, strengthening the company’s manufacturing presence and market position in North America.

The investments support Asahi Kasei’s broader growth strategy for Energy & Infrastructure, which is designated as a Growth Potential area of business under the company’s medium-term management plan.