Exide Technologies Launches Global Motive Power Product Line

PRINCETON, N.J., Dec. 20 -- Exide Technologies the global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions, has launched its first global product line of high power battery cells with tubular plate designs. The products, for motive power applications, are being marketed through Exide's global Motive Power Business Group, which produces a complete line of lead-acid batteries for fork lift trucks and other vehicles for the materials handling industry, as well as batteries for wheelchairs, scissor-lifts, access platforms, electric cleaning machines and airport utility vehicles.

The new range of battery cells, sold under brand names including Chloride Motive Power, Deta, Elbak, Fulmen and Tudor, are suitable for a wide range of applications in materials handling; from small, Class III vehicles such as walkie pallets, to Class II narrow-aisle pallet trucks extensively used in food and retail sectors, to heavy, Class I equipment used in manufacturing.

Exide Technologies launched a consolidated motive power product line in response to customers' requirements for global availability of common products. This consolidation program follows Exide's acquisition of GNB Technologies last year. Prior to the acquisition, Exide had limited distribution of its tubular battery designs in the U.S. Post-acquisition, the company has integrated its products and standardized best practices throughout its global manufacturing and logistics network. The Motive Power Business Group, headquartered in Manchester, U.K., has nine manufacturing facilities and 18 distribution centers worldwide.

Tubular versus Flat Plate Technology

Batteries with tubular plate technology are the most widely used lift truck batteries in the world, especially for heavy-duty applications and multi-shift operations. They deliver more consistent, reliable power than flat plate batteries of equal size. Because they are designed for increased power and efficiency with maximum life, they improve productivity because of extended lift truck run times with fewer battery changeovers.

Tubular and flat plate batteries contain the same three basic components: a positive electrode (or plate) and a negative electrode, both immersed in electrolyte, which is a dilute solution of sulfuric acid. But the difference between the technologies is in the design of the positive plate.

In the tubular design, the positive plate consists of rods of lead surrounded by sleeves of an inert, porous material such as polyester. The sleeves are filled with the positive active material and tightly packed around the lead spines. In the flat plate design, the positive plate is a latticed grid of lead; a wet mixture of positive active material is pasted on to the grid. The design differences do not affect battery operation or maintenance.

``Exide Technologies' worldwide customers demand rapid speed to market, global product availability and responsive service and support,'' said Neil Bright, President of the Motive Power Business Group. ``The launch of this new product line is a direct result of Exide Technologies' commitment and investment in products, processes and systems to reinforce our world leadership position.''

About Exide Technologies:

Exide Technologies is the world's largest industrial and transportation battery producer and recycler with operations in 89 countries.

Industrial applications include network-power batteries for telecommunications systems, fuel-cell load leveling, electric utilities, railroads, photovoltaic (solar-power related) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) markets; and motive-power batteries for a broad range of equipment uses, including lift trucks, mining vehicles and commercial vehicles.

Transportation uses include automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural, marine and other batteries, as well as new technologies being developed for hybrid vehicles and new 42-volt automotive applications. The company supplies both aftermarket and original-equipment transportation customers.