Cheshire-based
Avocet Materials Group is strengthening its position in global battery supply chains after transforming itself from a specialist metals distributor into an advanced manufacturing business in just five years.
The family-owned company has established a 29-strong manufacturing and R&D operation in Holmes Chapel, developing specialist components for lithium-ion batteries used in applications including Formula One, aerospace, defence, electric vehicles and energy storage. Avocet says 99% of its battery-related products are exported to international markets, including China, Japan and the United States.
The business has increased turnover from £1.5 million to £3.5 million during its transformation and has recorded sales growth of around 25% this year. To support its next phase of expansion, Avocet is working with
Made Smarter North West to improve productivity, increase capacity and strengthen its digital infrastructure.
Kieren Hall, chief executive of Avocet Materials Group, said: “When you think that five years ago we didn't manufacture anything, what we've achieved is pretty remarkable. We've built a manufacturing operation from scratch, developed our own technology and we're now making specialist components for lithium-ion batteries in Cheshire for some of the most demanding applications in the world.
“We're exporting 99% of our battery products and selling into countries with some of the biggest battery industries in the world, including China and Japan.”
Founded in 1996 as a specialist metals distributor, the company entered manufacturing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Supported by a £1.4 million Innovate UK grant through the Advanced Propulsion Centre and additional investment, it now operates through three divisions covering materials distribution, battery component manufacturing and research and development.
At the centre of the business are lead tabs, critical components that connect lithium-ion battery cells to external circuits. Avocet’s innovations include its Flyweight bimetallic lead tab, used in Formula One battery applications to reduce system weight, and DryTab, a new surface technology currently under development.
To support future growth, the company has secured a £13,000 Made Smarter grant towards a £75,000 ERP system scheduled to go live in January 2027. The platform will integrate operations across the business and provide the digital foundation for further expansion.
Avocet is also exploring automated inspection technologies and potential artificial intelligence applications to improve efficiency and increase manufacturing capacity as it looks to compete with major global battery suppliers.
Donna Edwards, director of Made Smarter North West, said: “Avocet is a fantastic example of the ambition and innovation within UK manufacturing. In just five years it has built advanced manufacturing capability here in Cheshire, developed its own technology and is now competing successfully in global battery markets.
“Rapid expansion on that scale brings challenges as well as opportunities. Made Smarter is there to give ambitious SME manufacturers access to the right technology, skills and leadership support at the right time, helping them turn that potential into sustainable growth. It is incredibly exciting to see what Kieren and the team have achieved and to support them as they prepare for what comes next.”