TOKYO — August 26, 2026 — Global material manufacturer Asahi Kasei hosted a grand opening ceremony on August 20 for its new Hipore™ wet-process lithium-ion battery separator coating line in Charlotte, North Carolina. The expansion establishes North American coating and supply capabilities for the company’s wet-process separator technology at its existing Celgard manufacturing plant.
The initial investment decision was made in 2023, with commercial production targeted to begin in the second half of fiscal 2026. The opening event coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Charlotte facility, which has produced dry-process separators in the U.S. since 1986. The ceremony brought together local government officials and representatives of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, which has entered into a capacity rights agreement related to the facility.
Ryu Taniguchi, President of Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Corporation, said:
“Opening the Charlotte coating line is a key milestone in establishing our North American supply platform for battery separators. By leveraging Celgard’s experienced workforce and established operations, we are expanding our North American product portfolio to include both dry-process and Hipore™ wet-process technologies. Together with our planned separator facility in Canada, this investment will bring production capabilities closer to the region’s battery market and position Asahi Kasei to swiftly respond as demand grows across electric vehicles and energy storage systems.”
Strengthening North American Supply for EVs and Energy Storage
The localized coating infrastructure is designed to serve expanding North American battery demand across both electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems (ESS). Localized production allows Asahi Kasei to offer more responsive supply chain capabilities amid competitive regional market dynamics.
The Charlotte coating line represents the first phase of Asahi Kasei’s broader regional supply model for wet-process separators. Development of the company’s planned wet-process separator plant in Canada is also progressing on schedule. Combined, the two sites will establish an integrated North American manufacturing framework for wet-process separators.
The expansion aligns with Asahi Kasei’s medium-term management plan, which designates Energy & Infrastructure as a primary growth potential business sector.
For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/.
