SK On tests Toptec’s tab welding equipment for US factory 

SK On has recently conducted a demo test for tab welding equipment provided by South Korean equipment maker Toptec, TheElec has learned.

The South Korean battery maker always asks potential new suppliers to provide a demo equipment firm.

The process, called turn on, is done to gauge whether the supplier can actually manufacture and deliver the equipment.

The recent test means Toptec is very likely to supply tab welding equipment to SK On for use at its factories constructed by its joint venture with Ford, Blue Oval SK.

This is because tab welding has a relatively low entry barrier among assembly equipment.

Toptec is also the second largest shareholder of Woowon Technology, which is an exclusive supplier of stacking equipment to SK On.

Blue Oval SK is currently building a 43GWh factory with 17 production lines in Tennessee.

This factory will manufacture both 300mm and 600mm lengths of batteries.