Entek receives federal funding to produce battery separators

Entek has been chosen to receive funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to produce separators for electric vehicle batteries. 

“This support for our domestic supply chain and investment in our U.S. manufacturing infrastructure ensures that we are prepared to supply critical U.S.-produced components to U.S. lithium battery manufacturers. Together, we are all dedicated to the rapid and sustainable growth of the U.S. electric vehicle market and supporting grid,” Kimberly Medford, president of Entek Manufacturing, said in a statement.  

The Department of Energy on Monday announced the first phase of more than $7 billion that will be directed to the electric vehicle battery supply chain under the law, which was passed in November 2021 and will allocate funding for roads, bridges, mass transit, broadband and more.  

Entek CTO Richard Pekala told PMM earlier this year that the company saw tremendous opportunity for growth in the market for its battery separator film. In May, the company announced it was expanding production for separators. 

Battery separators are manufactured using twin-screw extruders and involve the compounding of a polymer with a process oil or plasticizer. Entek, based in Lebanon, Ore., also makes twin-screw extruders.