Arkema Expands Global Battery Center in France

Arkema Invests EUR 10 Million in Battery Center Expansion

On October 1, Arkema announced a EUR 10 million expansion project for its Global Battery Center of Excellence in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The Arkema Battery Center Expansion is intended to strengthen the center’s position as the company’s global reference platform for developing advanced materials for current battery technologies and next-generation battery systems. The investment will expand the center’s capabilities while supporting research activities aimed at meeting the evolving technical requirements of battery manufacturers and enabling broader integration of advanced materials into industrial production processes.

Research Infrastructure Will Triple in Area

The project will triple the physical area of the Global Battery Center of Excellence and modernize its research infrastructure. The expansion also includes greater digitalization of research and development activities, giving Arkema’s R&D teams additional capabilities to support battery material development. By increasing both the scale and modernization of the facility, the project is designed to provide a stronger platform for research addressing the needs of current batteries as well as technologies that are still under development. The investment therefore combines physical expansion with updated R&D capabilities at the company’s battery-focused center.

Focus on Future Cell Manufacturing Requirements

The expanded center will help Arkema’s R&D teams prepare for future industrial standards expected from cell manufacturers. This focus is intended to support the development of advanced materials that can be integrated into battery production processes as manufacturing requirements evolve. The company’s objective is also to accelerate the integration of these materials into customer production environments, connecting laboratory development more closely with industrial application. The expanded facility in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes will therefore serve as a platform for advancing materials development while responding to the technical and process requirements of battery cell manufacturing.

Expanded Platform Supports Next-Generation Battery Development

By expanding and modernizing its Global Battery Center of Excellence, Arkema is strengthening the infrastructure supporting its battery materials research. The project is positioned to serve both existing battery technologies and next-generation solutions under development, while helping R&D teams respond to changing industrial requirements. The combination of a larger facility, upgraded research infrastructure and increased digitalization is expected to support faster development and integration activities. The investment also reinforces the role of the Oullins-Pierre-Bénite center as a global platform for developing materials intended for use across evolving battery applications and manufacturing processes.

Industry Impact & Outlook

Arkema’s investment highlights the growing importance of advanced materials development alongside battery cell innovation, particularly as manufacturers prepare for changing industrial standards and production requirements. Expanding the center’s capacity could strengthen Arkema’s ability to develop and adapt materials for both established and emerging battery technologies while shortening the path from R&D activities to industrial integration. For battery manufacturers, the practical significance is the availability of a larger development platform focused on their evolving process needs. The expanded center is therefore positioned to support continued collaboration between materials development and battery manufacturing as next-generation technologies progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arkema expanding at its Global Battery Center?
Arkema is investing EUR 10 million to expand its Global Battery Center of Excellence in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The project will triple the center’s area and modernize its research infrastructure, including increased digitalization of R&D activities. The expanded facility will support development of advanced materials for current batteries and next-generation technologies under development. It will also help Arkema’s R&D teams prepare for future industrial standards from cell manufacturers and accelerate the integration of advanced materials into battery production processes.