Saft, a company that designs, developments and manufactures high-end batteries, has completed its investment in its new Tel.X nickel-based product range designed for telecom network applications.

 

The company has invested $9 million in the new production line at its U.S. manufacturing facility in Valdosta, Georgia. The dedicated production line at Valdosta has a capacity of more than 16,000 48 V Tel.X batteries per annum.

 

Quality and reliable backup power is one of the major demands of telecom operators across the world. The Tel.X battery range is designed to deliver backup power for the growing number of decentralized facilities. This will support fixed, wireless, cable and cellular networks, which are in remote or demanding outdoor locations.

 

Currently, Saft (News - Alert) has approximately two percent market share in the telecom network market with its nickel-based batteries.

 

“We believe that despite the short-term issues we reported in November in the telecom market, the Tel.X product range will lead to increased sales and market share for Saft,” said Xavier Delacroix, general manager of Saft's IBG division, in a statement.

 

The company feels that there is a huge market opportunity for them to explore. Saft is keen to expand further as demand develops from telecom operators.

 

“The potential is therefore considerable. Our new production line is a major commitment to this market with very significant growth potential and we are ready to expand it further as demand develops,” Delacroix added.

 

The new manufacturing facility will enable Saft to expand its customer base in a market where performance, reliability and low total cost of ownership are crucial.

 

Saft is planning to offer quality, maintenance-free battery solution for applications subjected to extreme temperature and high levels of humidity. With an extended range of capacities, smaller batteries and long service life, the Tel.X batteries are ideally suited for the majority of telecom network applications.

 

The Tel.X battery is maintenance-free and compact, light and easy to install. The installation time is around 15 minutes for a 48 V battery. Tel.X has a long service life, over 20 years in normal temperatures and more than 14 years at + 40 degrees Celsius. These are the major advantages for demanding outdoor telecom applications in remote areas.