Nippon Shokubai Signs Location Agreement for Establishment of New IONEL™ Plant
NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD. (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan, President: Kazuhiro Noda) concluded a location agreement with Kitakyushu City to establish a new plant for LiFSI (Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide, trade name: IONEL™) at Kitakyushu City Hall on April 7, 2025.
Among the Solutions Business that our company is focusing on, IONEL™, an electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries, contributes to performance improvements such as longer battery life, shorter charging times, and higher output in low-temperature environments. Demand for this material is expected to grow in modern society, where electrification of automobiles is rapidly advancing.
With the aim of strengthening the supply chain for batteries in Japan, the production base for battery-related materials is being developed. Based on our business strategy of local production for local consumption, we have decided to establish a new plant in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture to fulfill our responsibility for the stable supply of IONEL™.
Kitakyushu City is convenient for logistics and utility facilities, has a low risk of disasters, and is home to many automotive and environment-related industries. Based on these perspectives, we have determined that it provides an optimal business environment for battery materials.
By strengthening the supply system for IONEL™, we will contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and building a sustainable society.
■Overview of Kitakyushu plant
Site Hibikinada area, Wakamatsu Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Land area Approx. 65,000m2
Employees Approx. 50
Invest in Approx. 37.5 billion yen
Capacity IONEL™ 3,000 MT/y
Construction initiation January of 2026
Commercial operation July of 2028
Nippon Shokubai Signs Location Agreement for Establishment of New IONEL™ Plant