Skeleton Technologies, a prominent developer and manufacturer of energy storage devices, has announced its expansion into France during an economic summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Over the next five years, the company plans to invest €600 million in research and development (R&D) and the production of its innovative SuperBatteries.
"Skeleton will start the research and development of next-generation battery technologies in Toulouse, in south-western France, as soon as this year," the company stated. "A mass production plant for SuperBatteries is planned to be operational in 2027."
Founded in 2009 in Tartu, Estonia, Skeleton Technologies opened its first plant in Germany, near Dresden, seven years ago. The company is also currently constructing a mass production plant for supercapacitors in Leipzig. Skeleton Technologies employs over 130 people at its headquarters and engineering center in Tallinn.
"We are the first Estonian industrial company to have expanded into two of Europe's main industrial countries, Germany and France. This is undoubtedly a landmark achievement for us, which will help pave the way for other Estonian green technology companies," said Taavi Madiberk, CEO and co-founder of Skeleton Technologies.
According to Madiberk, several countries were considered for the location of the supercell R&D center and the new plant. "The French interest in our activities has been remarkable and our Estonian origin is seen as an important strength there," he noted.
"We chose Toulouse as the location for Skeleton's next R&D center because of its proximity to our customers, as well as its world-class workforce and research institutions. By working closely with key customers and leading experts in materials and energy storage, we will accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation battery technologies," Madiberk explained.
Toulouse is home to notable institutions and companies, including the headquarters of aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the aerospace unit of Thales. The University of Toulouse is also one of Europe's leading research centers for materials science.
French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire welcomed Skeleton's expansion, stating: "Seven years ago, there was no battery industry in France or Europe. The investment decision to support Skeleton through the green industry tax credit is part of France's strategy for re-industrialization."
Skeleton Technologies' clientele includes some of the world's leading automotive and transport companies, industrial equipment manufacturers, and electricity grid operators such as Hitachi Energy, Siemens, Honda, Skoda Electric, Shell, CAF, and Martinrea, among others.
