According to industry sources on June 10, EcoPro held a shipment ceremony on June 8 for its high-nickel NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) products, which will be supplied to European automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).
The Debrecen plant spans approximately 440,000 square meters and houses EcoProBM, which produces cathode materials, EcoPro Innovation, which processes lithium, and EcoPro AP, which produces industrial oxygen and nitrogen.
EcoProBM's annual production capacity (CAPA) for cathode materials is 54,000 tons across three lines, sufficient to supply around 600,000 electric vehicles. EcoPro Innovation is set to produce 8,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually, while EcoPro AP will supply 16,000 cubic meters of oxygen per hour.
An EcoPro representative stated, "We are considering the construction of a second plant based on our comprehensive order situation, which is expected to double the capacity of the Debrecen facility upon completion."
As electric vehicle demand rises in Europe, the European Union and the UK have mandated the use of EU-produced cathode materials through trade agreements and key raw materials legislation. Analysts believe that EcoPro's Hungary plant will serve as a strategic base to comply with these regional regulations.
The ceremony was attended by Choi Moon-ho, CEO of EcoProBM, Hah Ju-yong, head of EcoProBM Hungary, and other employees of the Hungarian subsidiary.
During the shipment ceremony, Choi Moon-ho remarked, "Despite fierce competition in the global market, we are recognized for our top-tier quality and technology, leading to an expansion of supply focused on European premium OEMs. We are also in discussions for additional collaborations with key clients in the European market, achieving visible order successes."
Hah Ju-yong added, "We will maximize the benefits of Europe's regulatory policies by leveraging our proactively established production base in Hungary and a robust raw material supply chain, positioning ourselves as a competitive cathode materials company."
Meanwhile, EcoPro is actively pursuing an 'AX (AI Transformation)' initiative across the company, aiming to implement AI in all sectors, including manufacturing and research and development, by 2028, the year of its 30th anniversary. The start of mass production at the Hungary plant, along with the AX initiative, reflects EcoPro's commitment to enhancing its global battery competitiveness.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.