DS Techopia was planning to start producing electrolytes used in batteries and was contacting LG Energy Solution and SK On to secure them as customers, TheElec has learned.
The company formed a subsidiary dedicated to the business called DS Electra back in March.
The subsidiary is planning to spend US$95 million in the US to build a facility that manufactures 60,000 metric tonnes of electrolytes per year.
This is a higher capacity than Dongwha Electrolyte’s planned factory there for a capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes per year.
DS Techopia has also received subsidies for the factory from the US government of around 20 billion won, sources said.
The company had relied on materials for OLED screens and semiconductors for revenue.
Battery electrolyte is a completely new field for them and it is hoping for long-term growth from the sector, the sources said.
It does supply electrolyte additives, which are modified to prevent swelling and to protect the surface of the anode, to SK On currently.