UBE MAXELL expands Li-ion separator capacity at Sakai Works
- New Sakai Works facility will increase separator base‑film production capacity by approximately 50% from current levels.
- Construction for the first phase will commence in fiscal 2026, with a second phase planned for fiscal 2029.
- A separate separator base‑film facility at Sakai Works is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2026.
- UBE MAXELL uses a dry process for separators, targeting growing demand from xEVs (notably hybrid vehicles) and energy storage systems.
Project and schedule
UBE MAXELL will construct a new production facility for lithium‑ion battery separator base film at its Sakai Works. The company will commence construction of the first phase in fiscal 2026, with a second phase scheduled for fiscal 2029. This new build follows a separate separator base film facility at Sakai Works that is currently under construction and due for completion in the fall of 2026.
Capacity impact
The planned expansion will raise UBE MAXELL's separator base film production capacity by approximately 50% from current levels.
Market drivers and technology
Demand for separators is expected to grow across automotive and non‑automotive applications as electrified vehicle adoption expands—particularly hybrid vehicles—and energy storage systems scale amid rising electricity demand from AI, data centers and other factors. UBE MAXELL manufactures separators using a dry process, which the company cites for its performance and safety, and plans to accelerate development for next‑generation xEVs and non‑automotive markets.
Source: UBE
