SM Vexcel's battery factory in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, is producing approximately 130,000 primary batteries daily. Engineers monitor the production line as cylindrical metal cans are processed into finished batteries. Automated equipment fills the cans with cathode materials, inserts separators, and sequentially injects electrolyte and zinc-based anode materials to complete the battery structure.
Once the anode materials are added, components such as safety rings and caps are attached to seal the cans. The completed batteries undergo a maturation process for about seven days before quality checks, labeling, and packaging, resulting in the familiar appearance of consumer batteries. With an automation rate nearing 90%, the production process is efficient.
The factory produces around 190 million batteries annually. A company representative stated, "Monthly sales exceed 10 million units, and despite large-scale production, the defect rate remains at 0.015%. Our long-standing production technology and process management expertise are the foundation for maintaining this low defect rate."
In an interview, CEO Choi Se-hwan emphasized, "The primary battery business serves as a solid backbone, allowing us to invest boldly in high-value new ventures such as defense, drones, and robotics."
SM Vexcel's products extend beyond consumer primary batteries, as the company is also expanding into the defense sector with special batteries. The primary battery business accounts for about 70-80% of the company's total revenue, providing a stable base for investments in defense and new battery projects.
A notable product is the lithium ampule battery used in the multiple launch rocket system, Cheonmu. This special ultra-small primary battery is a key component of Cheonmu's unguided munitions and is also utilized for self-detonation of unexploded ordnance.
Building on its stable primary battery and defense businesses, SM Vexcel is focusing on battery packs for drones and robots as its next growth driver. The company is developing related technologies with a goal of mass production by 2029.
To support this initiative, a new 'Battery Pack Solution Team' has been established, concentrating on developing smart BMS (Battery Management System) technology to enhance battery lifespan and thermal safety.
CEO Choi stated, "We expect to launch a prototype by the end of next year, aiming for high-performance battery packs optimized for various industries, from drones requiring high density and lightweight to humanoid robots demanding ultra-high output."
The Gumi factory's role is evolving to encompass a wider range of applications, transitioning from familiar consumer batteries to special batteries for defense and eventually to batteries for drones and humanoid robots.
Choi concluded, "In the past, SM Vexcel was recognized as a familiar brand associated with batteries, but we aspire to be remembered as a comprehensive energy solution company responsible for the future industries of South Korea."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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