UltraMax is the manufacturing division of the UK’s largest independent distributor and manufacturer of batteries, supplying over 150 million cells per year globally. UltraMax specializes in the manufacture of lithium and custom-built battery packs for OEMs with production sites in the Far East and the UK. They design and manufacture for various industries such as energy storage, industrial, automotive, garden and power tools, medical equipment, defense, robotics, and security. The company has a wide range of expertise in managing mechanical equipment, specialist battery engineering, distribution, and storage of lithium batteries.
Interview with Jonathan Baruch, UltraMax.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Jonathan Baruch: UltraMax specializes in the design and manufacturing of batteries for domestic and commercial use. Their flagship product range of lithium can be used in various industries such as energy storage, industrial, automotive, garden and power tools, medical equipment, defense, robotics, and security. They also specialize in bespoke battery solutions, wherein they custom design and manufacture batteries basis customer specifications.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
J.B: New products are focused on the higher voltage market in the given product areas above, there will also be improvements made in the energy density, operating requirements and safety aspects of our existing range of batteries.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
J.B: The product ranges are generally 12V-48V lithium batteries near this range currently. In the future the product range should include complimentary products and systems along with higher voltage batteries.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
J.B: It depends on the market segment. In Energy Storage it varies across higher and lower voltage segments namely ES and BESS among other areas. In Industrial & automotive we’re focusing on entry level products. The market is willing to engage with new suppliers who are competitive with Asia and have established teams and budgets to compete for business.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
J.B: Market trends are that everyone needs to include sustainability in their business plan. Batteries are a key part of a power source of most OEM’s product so they are eagerly looking for realistic sources of supply which they can rely on which are non-Asia.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
J.B: Our product range of 12V batteries are market leading in terms of price and quality. Specifically, we are able to develop 12V lithium batteries which can operate under a range of conditions. Currently, we are in the process of developing the first in kind UK made BMS for 12V solutions which can be adapted to suit multiple applications.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
J.B: 2023 will see UltraMax make strides in product innovations and applications, it will also see UltraMax’s development of its high voltage battery systems which should enter the market in 2024. UltraMax will also aim to make significant progress with its OEM customer base as its current manufacturing operations are very well suited to providing batteries at a competitive cost to their applications. Lastly, UltraMax will seek to establish key partners for development of their UK battery manufacturing plants.