KARLSKOGA, Sweden, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cell Impact continues to enhance its capacity and capability. Today, the company signed a collaboration agreement with Andritz Soutec AG, Switzerland, regarding a machine for galvo welding of bipolar flow plates. The agreement helps streamline subsequent processes in Cell Impact's production flow and optimize the conditions for delivering flow plates on a large scale.
Andritz Soutec AG will, as part of this collaboration, develop Soucell, a galvo welding machine that will strengthen Cell Impact's Phase II program by increasing production capacity and a stronger production offering.
"We are pleased to contribute in the transition to a more sustainable energy system together with Cell Impact. For us, this is an exciting collaboration due to Cell Impact's excellent conditions for producing products on a uniquely large scale," says Daniel Wenk, VP Business Development at Andritz Soutec.
The product Soucell provides the capacity to weld one bipolar plate per second - 1 Hz, which matches the capacity offered by Cell Impact Formingâ„¢.
With the project starting in the first quarter of 2025, the plan is to have a Soucell installed at Cell Impact for high-volume production in Karlskoga during the second half of 2026. As the demand for flow plates increases, the scope of the collaboration will also expand.
"This is another example of how we are preparing for large-scale production. The foundation lies in our unique and patented forming technology, Cell Impact Forming. As we add new process steps to our production lines, we are automating manufacturing to reduce production costs," says Daniel Vallin, interim CEO of Cell Impact.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Vallin
CEO and IR contact, Cell Impact AB (publ)
+46730686620 or daniel.vallin@cellimpact.com
Daniel Wenk
VP Business Development, Andritz Soutec AG
+41 79 636 04 47 or daniel.wenk@andritz.com
About Cell Impact
Cell Impact AB (publ) is a global supplier of advanced flow plates to fuel cell and electrolyzer manufacturers. The company has developed and patented a unique method for high velocity forming, Cell Impact Formingâ„¢ which is significantly more scalable and cost-efficient compared to conventional forming methods. Cell Impact Forming is an environmentally friendly forming technology that consumes no water and very little electrical power. The Cell Impact share is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market and FNCA Sweden AB is the company's Certified Advisor (CA).
About ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company's business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydropower and Environment & Energy. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group's strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 30,000 employees and over 280 locations in more than 80 countries.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Cell Impact enhances production capacity through an agreement with Andritz Soutec AG
Investment boosts job creation and advanced manufacturing capabilities in the region
LUBUMBASHI, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Varun Beverages, one of the largest franchisees of PepsiCo in the world, has announced a USD 50 million investment in a state-of-the-art Pepsi production facility in Kiswishi City, the first private Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The plant – one of the largest consumer-focused foreign direct investments (FDI) in DRC history – will create thousands of jobs and expand the brands of New York-based PepsiCo in the fast-growing African country.
The Pepsi beverage facility will be developed on 15 hectares (37 acres) of land at Kiswishi City SEZ, along the N1 Highway, with easy access to the Lubumbashi's rapidly expanding population, the Haut-Katanga Province and beyond. Kiswishi is strategically positioned to enhance logistical efficiencies and economic development across the region, a growth engine for PepsiCo and Varun Beverages.
"Varun's expansion will meet the rising demand for Pepsi beverages in DRC and support our long-term growth trajectory in Africa," said Ravi Kant Jaipuria, Chaiman of Varun Beverages. "Our investment in Kiswishi City SEZ exemplifies our confidence in Congolese consumers and commitment to sustainable manufacturing."
Backed by American, New Zealand, British and Norwegian investors, Kiswishi City SEZ is a project by Rendeavour, Africa's largest new city builder, whose mixed-use cities in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia have catalysed billions of dollars in foreign and domestic investment, along with tens of thousands of jobs for young Africans.
"We are delighted to welcome Varun Beverages and Pepsi to Kiswishi City SEZ, which will create thousands of job opportunities and bolster the economic landscape of the Haut-Katanga province," said Yannick Kitambo, Director of Operations, Kiswishi City SEZ. "This investment is a testament to our commitment to make Kiswishi the most attractive destination for FDI in DRC. With its secure and predictable business environment, Kiswishi is an engine for growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo."
Kitambo credited the Special Economic Zones Authority and Ministry of Industry for creating a conducive investment environment through the country's reliable SEZ framework. Other businesses at Kiswishi City SEZ include Congo Petrol and Queen Energy. Phase one of Kiswishi's residential estate, Kimia, is 95% sold out.
Kitambo added: "Due to the professional support of the Government of DRC, particularly the President's office, the Ministry of Industry, and its Special Economic Zone Agency, we expect further foreign direct investment in DRC, which will help drive socioeconomic development in the country."
About Varun Beverages Limited (www.varunbeverages.com)
Varun Beverages Limited is one of the largest franchise bottler globally of PepsiCo beverages. The company operates in multiple regions across Asia and Africa, encompassing an extensive portfolio of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. Varun Beverages entered Africa in 2007 when it acquired the PepsiCo franchise in Mozambique. Since then, it has expanded operations into Zambia, Morocco, Zimbabwe, South Africa and more recently, the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it has already commissioned a Pepsi production facility at Maluku SEZ near Kinshasa.
About Rendeavour (www.rendeavour.com)
Rendeavour is the largest new city builder in Africa. Backed by American, Norwegian, New Zealand and British investors, Rendeavour's cities are among the largest construction projects in Africa and hubs for businesses, homes, education and recreation within a infrastructure-ready economic zones.
Current development at Rendeavour is valued at more than $5 billion, with 150 businesses, schools educating more than 6,000 students and 10,000 mixed-income homes occupied or under development.
Rendeavour has created more than 50,000 jobs in the last five years, including the largest call center in East Africa, staffed by 5,000 young Kenyans serving major American customers like United Airlines, JetBlue and Amazon. A further 4,000 call center jobs are confirmed by 2026.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Varun Beverages DRC Announces USD 50 Million Pepsi Production Facility at Rendeavour's Kiswishi City Special Economic Zone
