Modern battery materials plant using state-of-the-art technology
Easpring Finland New Materials Oy is building a battery materials plant in Kotka, Southeast Finland. The plant will produce cathode active material (CAM), which is needed to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles.
There is a rising demand for battery materials in Europe
The development of technologies creates a need for new kinds of materials.
Traffic is electrifying rapidly, and electric mobility will be one of the keys to fulfilling the carbon neutrality goals of Finland and the European Union. This, together with the sustainability requirements of global car manufacturers, creates a strong demand for European battery production.
We are developing a battery materials plant in Kotka, Southeast Finland. The plant will produce cathode active material (CAM), a powdered material needed to manufacture the most valuable part of the battery cell, the cathode. Our products will be sold for battery cell plants in Europe and around the world.
New industry to create jobs and economic growth for Finland
The plant in Kotka and the battery materials industry in general provide significant growth opportunities for Finland and the Kymenlaakso region.
With the planned annual CAM production capacity of 60,000 tons, it has been estimated that the plant will employ approximately 270 people directly when in the operational phase.
According to the economic impact assessment conducted by consultancy company Ramboll in 2024, the plant will create more than 180 million euros of tax revenue for Finland each year and increase Finland’s GDP by nearly 400 million euros. When indirect employment effects are considered, the plant will create a need for the work input of approximately 3,000 person-years in total.
Employment effects during the construction period
In addition, the construction phase has a significant effect on the economy and employment.
During the peak construction period, around 800–1,000 people are expected to be working on the site. Contracts related to the plant’s construction work will be put out to a competitive tender in Finland.
The cathode active material production technology is primarily Chinese, and the installation of the equipment requires specialized technical expertise. Technical installation experts from China will arrive at the site for the duration of the equipment installations.
Source: Economic impact assessment, Ramboll 2024.
CAM production to complement the existing and developing Finnish battery value chain
The state of Finland has chosen the development of the Finnish battery value chain as its strategic priority.
Production of lithium-ion batteries requires many stages, from mining to producing more advanced materials, battery cells, battery packs, and final applications.
There are currently many facilities in Finland, either already operating or in the planning phase, that contribute to some parts of the battery value chain. As many parts of the value chain can be done in Finland, we have an opportunity to increase the value of exports and decrease logistics emissions and the costs of the products.
The planned schedule
of the project
Construction work on our site began in the spring of 2025.
Our goal is to launch sample production in the summer of 2026 and commercial production in 2027.
The state of Finland has chosen the development of the Finnish battery value chain as its strategic priority.
We are Easpring Finland New Materials Oy
Founded in 2024, Easpring Finland New Materials Oy produces cathode active materials for the European production facilities of Easpring’s existing and new customers.
The majority owner of our company (70%) is Beijing Easpring Material Technology Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading producers of cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. Beijing Easpring is listed on ChiNext.
State-owned company Finnish Minerals Group Oy holds a 28.3% stake in our company, and South Korean battery company LG Energy Solution holds 1.7%.