Samsung SDI Pushes Ahead With Rechargeable Batteries

By Kim Yoo-chul
Staff Reporter

From laptops to cars, advanced batteries have become a major factor in innovation.

Samsung SDI hopes to compete in this fast-growing business by strengthening partnerships with the world's leading auto-related manufacturers, boosting battery production and simplifying its business structure.

Electronics makers have been scrambling to
develop or procure batteries that are smaller, reliable and more powerful to run mobile devices with an increasing number of functions.

Additionally, the main batteries fueling these gadgets ― based on lithium-ion technology ― also are being adapted to next-generation, eco-friendly cars.

Analysts say this has spurred technology companies to team up with automakers in alliances that are changing the manufacturing landscape.

Samsung SDI is the first mass producer of next-generation active matrix organic light emitting diode (AM OLED) displays, while it also makes plasma display panels and outdated cathode-ray tubes for emerging markets.

SDI has already spun off its AM OLED and LCD division in a joint venture with Samsung Electronics ― the new entity is named Samsung Mobile Display.

Now, SDI wants to transform itself as an authoritative battery maker by boosting production of lithium-ion batteries.