Powerful surge in demand for battery testing sparks firm’s acquisition of centre
A South West firm specialising in fire protection systems has snapped up Europe’s largest battery testing centre as it looks to meet the soaring global need in the sector.
Quedgeley, Gloucestershire-based AIS said buying the Centre for Automotive and Power Systems Engineering (CAPSE) significantly enhanced its battery testing capabilities, strengthening its position in the battery safety industry and established it as Europe’s largest battery testing and material development centre.
AIS said CAPSE’s site in South Wales, pictured, had a rich history in energy storage technologies, initially as an LNG (liquified natural gas) facility providing winter and emergency capacity to the UK’s gas network.
Today it functions as a world-class, dedicated research and development and test facility, enabling global companies to validate their new battery technologies.
Formed as Advanced Insulation in 2007, AIS is now a global leader in passive fire protection, insulation, buoyancy, and cable protection systems.
The group, which employs more than 650 employees operating from 14 locations globally, including in the US, Brazil and Korea, said the need for battery and wider testing services had surged in recent years as the world continued its transition to renewable energy sources and electric mobility.
By acquiring CAPSE, AIS will be able to increase the capacity of its cutting-edge technology and facilities dedicated to battery performance, safety and innovation.
Featuring the largest battery pack testing capability in Europe, the state-of-the-art R&D centre will also enable AIS to further develop and deliver market-leading battery protection materials that meet the highest standards for safety, performance and reliability.
AIS CEO Andrew Bennion said: “We are excited to welcome the new battery testing site to the AIS family.
“This acquisition will create a number of jobs in the local area and represents a major step forward in our commitment to the battery safety industry and ensures that we remain at the forefront of innovation in battery protection.
“The advanced facilities will empower us to continue to develop industry-leading solutions, keeping pace with the fast-evolving battery technology landscape.”
CAPSE originally spun out of the University of South Wales and its chief finance and operating officer Rachel Elias-Lee, University of South Wales described the acquisition testament to the university’s industry-driven research and innovation.
“We are confident that AIS will continue to build on this success, bringing significant impact to the future of battery technology,” she added.
The Welsh Government originally supported work carried out by a research group at the university that went on to become CAPSE via its former Academia 4 Business programme.
Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
