Wirtz Manufacturing Co., Inc. is a globally recognized designer and producer of equipment and complete factory solutions for the lead-acid battery industry. Established in 1932 in Port Huron, Michigan, Wirtz has accumulated over 90 years of experience, positioning itself as a provider of reliable and innovative manufacturing technology. The company’s offerings range from individual machines covering all stages of battery production to fully integrated, turnkey manufacturing lines and recycling systems.
With facilities in the United States, China, and India, Wirtz Manufacturing serves a worldwide customer base. The business is built on a foundation of family ownership and continuity, emphasizing deep industry knowledge derived from experience across engineering, manufacturing, and operational roles within the company. Wirtz aims to equip lead-acid battery manufacturers with the tools needed for efficient, high-quality production and sustainable practices.
Battery Technology
Wirtz Manufacturing’s offerings span the full spectrum of lead-acid battery manufacturing technology. This includes equipment and processes for grid production, such as gravity casting and continuous casting systems like Concast and Conroll, which produce grid materials. They also provide machinery for paste mixing, pasting, and plate processing, ensuring accurate application of active materials to the grids.
A significant area of expertise lies in battery assembly equipment, from automated lines for high-volume production to semi-automatic solutions. This includes machines for intercell welding, heat sealing, and terminal burning. Wirtz also provides equipment for battery formation and acid handling, crucial steps in activating the finished battery cells. Furthermore, through its Battery Recycling Systems division, Wirtz offers technologies for breaking down spent batteries, separating components, and recovering lead, supporting a circular economy within the industry. The company holds over 50 patents related to battery manufacturing processes and equipment, including advancements in casting technology and automation.
Recent Projects
Building on its history, Wirtz Manufacturing continues to pursue advancements in battery technology. In collaboration with Gridtential Energy and Hammond Group, Wirtz has been involved in developing manufacturing capabilities for the Silicon Joule battery technology. This program aims to streamline production of advanced lead batteries utilizing bipolar plates, potentially impacting manufacturing efficiency for emerging applications in low-voltage EVs and stationary energy storage. Additionally, the company’s recognition as the Best Manufacturing Business in the Blue Water area in May 2024 indicates ongoing positive performance and community standing.
Investors
While primarily a family-owned and operated business, Wirtz Manufacturing has made strategic investments that indicate an interest in adjacent technologies within the energy storage market. In 2019, Wirtz Manufacturing made a strategic investment in ZAF Energy Systems Inc., a company focused on nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery technology. This investment aimed to support ZAF in scaling its manufacturing capabilities and expanding its market presence, indicating Wirtz’s interest in contributing to the growth of complementary battery chemistries alongside its core lead-acid business.
Business Details
Location: Port Huron, Michigan, USA
Website: https://www.wirtzusa.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1205648
