Quallion has the broadest and deepest understanding of lithium ion chemistry among US-based companies. Quallion’s CEO and CTO, Dr. Tsukamoto, has been researching lithium ion batteries for over 30 years and is acknowledged worldwide as one of the leading experts on lithium ion battery technology. As the former head of Research and Development at JSB, he was responsible for developing and setting up JSB’s lithium ion battery operations. When he came to the US to establish Quallion, he brought with him from Japan material scientists, battery, manufacturing and process engineers and procurement specialists, all from the lithium ion battery industry.
Leveraging this expertise in lithium ion batteries, Quallion’s has built an intellectual portfolio of enabling technologies that competitors cannot offer including its patented 5A2 Chemistry that exhibits de minimis self discharge and calendar fade, Zero-Volt™ and SaFE-LYTE™ battery technologies.
Quallion LLC produces a number of primary and rechargeable cell and battery configurations for use in the medical, military and aerospace markets, with revenues divided evenly across these three market segments. Relevant chemistry experience includes Li ion (various species of LiCoO, LiMnCo, LiNiCoO), Li Polymer, Li Metal, CFx, SVO, LVO, and Li Air. Production capabilities range from high volume medical and military batteries to unique custom-designed aerospace batteries. Cell designs range from the world’s smallest conventional lithium ion cell (a cylindrical 1.8 mAh cell) for implants to their 15 and 72 Ah prismatic cells. Historical annual production rates exceed 60,000 units per year (cells and batteries combined) with the capacity to produce over 200,000 cells, making Quallion one of the largest Li ion cell manufacturers outside of Asia. The company currently employs over 85 people, with a large engineering department capable of supporting multiple research and development and prototyping projects simultaneously. Certifications include ISO 9001:2000, AS9100B (validation of Quality Management System to Aerospace standards), and ISO 13485:2003 (validation of Quality Management System to Medical Device standards).
Quallion is a Delaware LLC. Approximately 85% of the corporation is owned by Alfred E. Mann, a United States citizen. The remaining 15% is owned by Boston Scientific, a US-based company. A limited number of shareholders (US citizens) possess de minimus interests totaling less than 1% of total outstanding shares. Quallion facilities are based in Sylmar, CA, an industrial area outside Los Angeles. Mr. Mann is the sole owner of the buildings and real estate leased by Quallion. Quallion’s manufacturing plant and research facilities currently occupy approximately 47,000 sq. ft., and the company has an option to rent an additional 200,000 sq. ft. in the same compound.
Quallion is advantaged with regard to USG contracting because they design and produce their cells and batteries in Sylmar, CA, making their company one of only two major space battery manufacturers to be truly US-owned and operated and capable of making rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Quallion is also a certified small business and a veteran-owned small business. Quallion has extensive business with the USG, including a $28M contract with the USAF and other contracts with the US Army, NASA and the MDA.
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