Redflow Pleased With Thai Battery Manufacturing Progress

RedFlow CEO and Managing Director Tim Harris and a bank of Redflow ZBM2 batteries

It’s not about to set any battery production world records, but Australian energy storage company Redflow is happy with progress at its new manufacturing facility in Thailand.

The first fully Thai-made Redflow batteries rolled off the production line in April and commercial manufacturing began in June.

Last week the company announced the factory produced 78 zinc-bromine flow batteries during August and its looking to bump that up considerably.

“We are targeting an increase in production to 150 batteries per month in December and are balancing production with expected orders and inventory requirements to best manage cash flow,” Redflow Managing Director and CEO Tim Harris said on Friday.

Mr. Harris says the factory can ramp up production to 250 batteries per month when a commercial case calls for it.

“Our primary focus is on producing quality batteries, then scaling up production to meet customer demand and, as that growth occurs, driving cost-downs from the manufacturing process”.

While production levels are comparatively very low compared to other manufacturers, Redflow’s operations are providing significant job opportunities, with 70 people in Thailand employed by the company.

Redflow Training To Re-Start

Mr. Harris also announced it had partnered with Queensland company EIM Training to provide training for Redflow’s current and future installation partners on how to deploy and configure its ZBM2 and ZCell batteries.

The 10 kWh capacity ZBM2 is the world’s smallest flow battery. Its primary usage is in industrial, commercial, telecommunications and grid-scale energy storage applications. Redflow’s ZCell battery system is built around the ZBM2 and is a home/small commercial solar battery storage solution.

Two-day programs will be held each month at EIM Training’s campus on Queensland’s Gold Coast covering installation, maintenance and troubleshooting.

 “With a predictable supply of quality batteries coming from our new factory in Thailand ready for delivery in the coming months, we can now support and grow our partner channel, both in Australia and internationally,” said Mr. Harris.

Currently there are just 11 ZCell installers in Australia.

In a message to shareholders late last month, company Chairman Brett Johnson said Redflow was continuing to pursue opportunities across the Asia-Pacific Region and Southern Africa, with “a number” of discussions occurring with customers that were in negotiation and/or trial phase.

Mr. Johnson stated 2017-18 was a transformation year for Redflow and the company has a clear strategic and financial plan to develop a successful and sustainable business.

It’s been a long, hard road for the company – and its shareholders. At their 2016 peak, Redflow shares were trading at 67c. Yesterday, they closed at 7.3c.