EcoPro HN, a subsidiary of EcoPro specializing in environmental solutions, announced on Wednesday the completion of a new manufacturing plant for rechargeable battery materials in Chopyeong, North Chungcheong Province.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by approximately 100 officials, including former EcoPro Chairman Lee Dong-chae, EcoPro CEO Song Ho-jun, EcoPro HN CEO Kim Jong-seop, and Jincheon County Governor Song Ki-seop.
The facility represents an investment of 130 billion won ($93.2 million) and is set to produce long-lasting crucibles—containers used in the calcination process of battery cathode materials. Previously, the company relied on imported crucibles that could only be used three to four times due to limited durability. The new crucibles developed by EcoPro HN can be reused up to 10 times, significantly improving efficiency.
In addition, the plant will manufacture dopants, additives that extend the lifespan of rechargeable batteries. EcoPro HN aims to ensure even coating on cathode materials by utilising advanced nanoparticle synthesis and dispersion technologies. Due to technological constraints, the domestic market for dopants is estimated at an annual capacity of 500 metric tons, with most current supplies imported from China and Europe.
This plant marks the company’s largest investment and signifies a strategic move to diversify from environmental solutions to rechargeable battery materials. EcoPro HN has pledged to invest 500 billion won to achieve 1 trillion won in sales revenue by 2028. The company plans to hire around 500 employees for the production facility, and a research and development division focused on new semiconductor materials.
EcoPro HN also plans to invest approximately 100 billion won to establish high-performance semiconductor materials facilities to enhance its rechargeable battery value chain. The company intends to build next-generation honeycomb catalyst facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during semiconductor manufacturing.
Former Chairman Lee highlighted the significance of this new venture, noting that EcoPro’s primary focus had traditionally been on environmental business. Before EcoPro HN’s spinoff in 2021, EcoPro specialized in products that help factories reduce hazardous waste, such as cleanroom chemical filters, supplying major companies like Samsung Electronics and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
“Today, we embark on a new journey of growth to become a powerhouse in rechargeable battery and semiconductor materials,” stated Lee. “The Chopyeong plant will play a crucial role for EcoPro HN to reach its 1 trillion won sales target.”
Source: The Korea Herald, Battery Industry
