Ecopro BM Converts Hungary Line for NCM Cathode Production

Ecopro BM Converts Hungarian Production Line for NCM Materials

On August 24, Ecopro BM, a South Korean battery materials manufacturer, announced that it had begun renovating its existing NCA production line at its Hungarian plant to produce NCM cathode materials. The company plans to supply high-nickel cathode materials to a premium German automaker, with an investment of around KRW 40 billion. The supply is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, marking a planned expansion of the Hungarian operation from its current NCA-focused production toward a mixed NCA-NCM manufacturing structure.

Hungarian Plant Expands Beyond NCA Production

Ecopro BM’s Hungarian plant started commercial operations in the first half of 2026 and has an annual production capacity of 54,000 tons. The facility currently produces NCA cathode materials, while equipment is being shipped to convert the existing line into a mixed NCA-NCM production line. This conversion will allow the plant to manufacture both cathode chemistries as production requirements evolve. The move also strengthens the company’s ability to supply locally produced battery materials within Hungary and the broader European automotive market.

Debrecen Production Ramps Up in 2026 and 2027

The Debrecen plant started mass production in June 2026 and plans to start its second line in September 2026. Production is expected to reach 10,000 tons this year and 30,000 tons next year. These planned production increases provide additional capacity as Ecopro BM develops its Hungarian manufacturing footprint. The ramp-up also supports the company’s broader objective of increasing regional battery-material production while maintaining the ability to manufacture different cathode materials according to customer requirements and demand conditions across the European automotive industry.

Long-Term European Demand Supports Expansion

In the longer term, Ecopro BM’s production is expected to increase as the EU-UK Trade Agreement (TCA) and the European automotive industry’s demand for locally sourced materials increase. The company’s Hungarian operations therefore provide a production base positioned closer to European automotive customers, including the premium German automaker targeted for high-nickel NCM cathode material supplies. The combination of expanded local manufacturing, additional production lines, and rising demand for regionally sourced battery materials could support further growth in Ecopro BM’s European production operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ecopro BM changing at its Hungarian plant?
Ecopro BM is renovating an existing NCA production line at its Hungarian plant to manufacture NCM cathode materials alongside NCA materials. The company is investing around KRW 40 billion and plans to supply high-nickel cathode materials to a premium German automaker starting in the fourth quarter of 2027. The plant began commercial operations in the first half of 2026 with annual capacity of 54,000 tons, while the Debrecen operation began mass production in June 2026 and is expected to increase production substantially through 2027.