Senior supports SE Asia green energy development in global expansion move

As a leading enterprise in China's new energy industry, Senior Technology Material, headquartered in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, has been increasing its global layout and supporting the development of green energy in Southeast Asia.

Notably, the company, also known as Senior, announced its investment in a lithium-ion battery separator production factory in Malaysia in 2023, the first of its kind within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The first phase of the project commenced that year, with a total investment reaching 5 billion yuan ($684.3 million). Once it reaches full production, the factory is expected to produce 2 billion square meters of lithium-ion battery wet-process separators and supporting coated separators annually.

When discussing the choice of Malaysia, Chen Xiufeng, chairman of Senior Technology Material, highlighted its manufacturing traditions and relatively stable politics among countries in Southeast Asia.

"More importantly, China and Malaysia have always maintained a good political and business relationship. The 50th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Malaysian diplomatic relations last year also marked a new milestone in the relationship between the two countries," he noted.

Deeply involved in the lithiumion battery separator industry for more than 20 years, Senior Technology Material adheres to providing differentiated and innovative products to meet the needs of customers.

The company also focuses on nurturing different levels of technical and managerial talents to ensure the vitality and creativity of its operational and technical teams. This maximizes its ability to withstand the challenges and risks brought about by market uncertainties.

Despite the current fluctuations in the global lithium-ion battery market, the new energy industry, as a globally recognized pillar industry, is poised to maintain steady growth and long-term development in the years ahead.

In this process, globalization and differentiated technology will serve as the core driving forces for the growth of new energy enterprises, according to Senior Technology Material.

"Based on 20-plus years of experience and technological accumulation, we can provide differentiated cost-effective products for all customers at home and abroad. This is also the key to Senior Technology's continued competitiveness in the industry," Chen said.

In addition to innovation in technology and processes, equipment innovation is equally crucial. As a manufacturing-oriented technology company, Senior Technology Material is committed to the research and development of its equipment.

For example, the company launched the fifth-generation superwide wet-process separator production line in 2023, which signifies a new level in the competitiveness of Chinese separator products.

The digital system integrated with this advanced production line has achieved efficient linkage between the front and back ends of production, leading to pioneering closed-loop management in product manufacturing.

Furthermore, the production equipment of the company's dry-process products has undergone rapid iteration and upgrades in recent years. As of now, Senior Technology Material has achieved independent design and research of its sixth-generation dry-process equipment, offering customers cost-effective separator products.

In the future, the company's Malaysian factory will adopt artificial intelligence-driven facilities. "AI is a crucial driver for future corporate development, and we will actively explore various possibilities and development opportunities in the company's domestic and international bases.

"In fact, we have already made some preparations and explorations in intelligent algorithm-driven production optimization, and have indeed achieved some results," Chen said.

As major battery and electric vehicle manufacturers from China expand overseas, Senior Technology Material is following suit. It is positioning itself in popular regions for Chinese new energy companies to go global, such as Europe and the ASEAN region.

"Through establishing a complete and stable production system in the ASEAN region, we aim to leverage this bridgehead to swiftly enter the international market and reach a global audience," Chen said.

Moreover, enhanced collaboration with customers and partners is a pivotal strategy in aiding Senior Technology Material's path toward globalization.

Over the past two years, the company has partnered with globally recognized firms such as Volkswagen to conduct audits of the supply chain and production lines.

Throughout customer inspections, Senior Technology Material has continuously advanced and optimized its operations to adhere more closely to global standards.

In fact, globalization has been a key strategy of the company. Serving as one of the earliest Chinese separator companies to achieve bulk exports overseas, Senior Technology Material has been committed to exploring overseas customers and promoting Chinese brands.

In addition to expanding business, Senior Technology Material has excelled in ESG operation and management. In February, the company received the European Union's Next Generation certification. It is one of the most prestigious ESG awards in the EU and emphasizes the leadership of companies in the global green transformation.

"We highly value ESG planning and strategy and last year we made ESG an entirely independent strategic department within the company," Chen said.

Additionally, Senior Technology Material collaborates with renowned partners to enhance its ESG-based management system. It also researches domestic policy developments and changes to ensure compliance with disclosure and regulatory requirements, he added.

haonan@chinadaily.com.cn