Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB Cooperation
Strategic alliance for reliable, cost-optimized battery cells: Fraunhofer FFB and Kerkhoff Consulting combine expertise
Fraunhofer FFB and Kerkhoff, part of Interpath have formed a strategic alliance to support companies in the cost-optimized procurement of battery cells. The core of the cooperation is a jointly developed cost modeling system that brings transparency to complex price structures. The alliance offers industrial customers systematic preparation and implementation of demanding supplier negotiations and provides concrete solutions for maximum efficiency at the lowest cost in development and planning processes for products and production.
Düsseldorf/Münster. Battery cells have long since become a strategic component, a central value driver in many key industries. Whether as an energy source in vehicles, smartphones, drones or stationary storage systems, for example. The demand for high-performance batteries in Europe is growing rapidly at around 25 percent per year. Dependence on China is currently high. The EU has set a target of covering 90% of battery demand from domestic production by 2030.
“Companies are faced with the challenge of reconciling fluctuating raw material prices, significant investment costs, non-transparent cost structures and high demands on sustainability and purchasing security,” says Hendrik Walter, Head of Strategic Corporate Development at Fraunhofer FFB. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of innovative technology developments from German and European companies. On the contrary: developments are being made in all areas that have the potential to significantly advance battery cell production. These include product and production innovations, such as sodium-ion batteries or the dry coating process. However, the dynamics of innovation in particular make it difficult to make reliable cost forecasts and fact-based investment decisions. “The ability to classify innovations correctly and translate them into reliable planning is becoming a key factor in international competition,” emphasizes Walter.
Cost control along the entire value chain
The cooperation between Kerkhoff Consulting and Fraunhofer FFB enables end-to-end project solutions: Industrial customers benefit from detailed cost driver analyses and well-founded evaluations of cost structures. This results in a reliable basis for decision-making for investments and negotiations.
This is complemented by calculation and negotiation expertise based on methods of behavioral economics and game theory. Systematic preparation ensures professional action in all conceivable negotiation and market situations. This forms the basis for determining which battery cells with specific performance parameters can be procured at which target costs.
"Production processes and cell chemistries are changing at a rapid pace due to research-based innovations, raw material markets remain volatile and investments in production lines are capital-intensive. At the same time, customers and markets demand a rapid response, clear positioning and competitive cost structures," say Andreas Dölecke and Jens Hornstein. The two senior partners and members of the management of Kerkhoff, part of Interpath, manage international projects for their industrial clients within the alliance.
Cost control along the entire value chain
The collaboration between Kerkhoff Consulting and Fraunhofer FFB enables end-to-end project solutions: Industrial customers benefit from detailed cost driver analyses and well-founded evaluations of cost structures. This results in a reliable basis for decision-making for investments and negotiations.
This is complemented by calculation and negotiation expertise based on methods of behavioral economics and game theory. Systematic preparation ensures professional action in all conceivable negotiation and market situations. This forms the basis for determining which battery cells with specific performance parameters can be procured at which target costs.
Collaboration for cost-optimized battery cell production
Based on this joint methodology, concrete solutions are developed that closely interlink research and practice. "Our task as Fraunhofer FFB is to accelerate the transfer of research into industrial application. We thus ensure new, efficient and scalable production processes and technologies in the field of battery production. With Kerkhoff, we have a partner who transfers these into economical and resilient supply chains. Together, we offer tailor-made solutions for the industry," emphasizes Dr. Florian Degen, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Fraunhofer FFB.
Andreas Dölecke emphasizes economic viability as a decisive factor: "Technical innovations are only effective if they are also economically viable. This is precisely where we combine our DNA with that of Fraunhofer FFB to help industrial clients make the best future-proof decisions with technological clarity and strategic negotiation expertise. Availability of the best technology at the best price.
Benefits for a wide range of industries
The partnership results in professionally negotiated value creation networks with reliable and predictable target costs. Companies benefit from strategic negotiations that open up financial leeway for complex procurement projects. These are industrial sectors in which modern battery technology is used: from household appliances and micromobility to automotive, mechanical engineering, defense, medical technology, energy and electronics.
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