Container supplier delivers tenth battery storage unit for manufacturing group
Walsall-based S Jones Containers has delivered its tenth containerised battery storage solution for Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).
WMG first approached S Jones Containers six years ago, seeking a local partner to supply modified containers for safe battery testing that could contain any potential fires.
Since 2018, S Jones Containers has designed and produced 10 battery storage solutions for WMG, serving various purposes including safe storage systems, cycle testing units and abuse testing units.
The latest collaboration, delivered in June 2024, involved a new Cycle Testing Unit tailored to test and research proposed battery designs for integrity.
S Jones Containers’ conversions team collaborated closely with WMG throughout the process, from initial CAD drawings to converting a 20ft container in their Walsall workshop.
The custom unit features fire-rated equipment such as smoke ventilation, over-pressure relief panels (blast panels), ATEX-rated cabling, and protective linings.
This design ensures that the unit can safely extract smoke and contain any fire in the event of a lithium-ion battery thermal runaway.
Once completed, the unit was delivered to WMG’s site at the University of Warwick and set up for immediate use.
WMG, part of the University of Warwick and a High-Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC), is crucial in driving innovation in electric vehicle battery production through cutting-edge research and development.
Dr Simon Jones, principal engineer – Battery Safety at Warwick Manufacturing Group said: “Our six-year partnership with S Jones Containers Conversions Division has played an important role in our ability to remain at the forefront of research and development for electric vehicle battery production in the UK, allowing us to test batteries safely. The experts at S Jones Containers ensured the development and delivery of our new Cycle Testing Unit was smooth and efficient, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative partnership in the future.”
Les Newick, technical sales engineer at S Jones Containers said: “Through our continued relationship with Warwick Manufacturing Group, we have been able to assist with their work of researching and developing the most advanced batteries the world has seen. Using our modified battery container units, their team has been able to understand the quality of their designs and make further strides within the industry. We look forward to continuing this longstanding partnership and assisting Warwick Manufacturing Group in achieving their goal.”
