Large orders for battery equipment expected in 2nd half 

South Korean battery equipment makers are expecting large orders in the second half of 2020 as major battery makers are expected to up their investments.

Local battery makers __ LG Chem, SK Innovation and Samsung SDI __ are expected to invest billions of dollars to expand their facilities during the second half.

In total for 2020, LG Chem is expected to invest 1.5 trillion won, while SK Innovation and Samsung SDI are expected to invest 1 trillion won each, to expand their facilities to produce batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

These large investments are expect to continue every year up to 2022.

Orders from Chinese battery makers are also expected to be a boon for South Korean battery equipment makers.

The joint venture between China’s Eve Energy and SK Innovation based in Yangcheng is already ordering equipment to be placed there.

LG Chem is also ordering equipment for its factory in Tianjin.

In Europe, Northvolt is placing orders to South Korean equipment maker. Saft is expected to start placing orders later this year. Freyr and Britishvolt’s orders are expected next year at the earliest.

Korea companies such as Mplus, PNE Solution and P&T are already saw their earnings increase in the first half of 2020 due to new orders.

Nain Tech and A-Pro have also seen their earnings increase thanks to major client LG Chem. Philenergy is also benefiting from Samsung SDI’s orders.

These companies, which have locked in clients, will continue to see their earnings increase next year, a person knowledgeable on the matter said. Winning orders from either LG Chem, SK Innovation or Samsung SDI will secure years of sales for these companies, they said.

Companies that can react to any battery type, whether they be circular, prismatic or pouch, that have equipment in mixing and plating will secure the most table profits, they added.