Advanced Cathode Material Production Facility.
TODA America has been designed and licensed to be the major cathode materials supplier to Li-ion battery manufacturers throughout North America and Europe. TODA America’s principal objective is to establish itself as a high volume cathode materials production facility becoming a strong and supportive strategic partner to the North American and European advanced battery industry. ITOCHU Corporation (ITOCHU), a diversified global trading company, actively engaged in the chemicals and energy sectors, has partnered with TODA Kogyo Corporation (TKC), a known leader in chemical particle development and production, in this 50/50 joint venture.

Technical Targets
TODA America produces LiNiCoAlO2 (LNCA) and LiNiCoMnO2 (LNCM). TODA’s top performing products have the highest customer yields and customer satisfaction. We strive to produce the highest quality, purity and consistency through continuous improvement and following the strictest ISO 9001 guidelines.

TODA America Accomplishments 

18-acre brownfield site in Battle Creek, Michigan. The first production line (Phase 1, Step 1) completed December 2010 and now produces LNCA and LNCM.

TODA America’s Battle Creek facility produces and will produce a variety types of oxide cathode materials to serve both existing TODA customers and emerging players in this industry. With the DOE grant, this project is phased in two; Phases 1 and 2. Phase 1, step-1 was outfitted with state of the art equipment followed by step-2 installed and operational by the end of 2012. Phase 2 is currently being planned and expected to be added within the next few years as well to help meet customers’ projected demand. Phase 1 and 2, total production capacity at this facility will be approx. 4,000 tons of cathode materials per year. This level of production is considered sufficient to supply batteries for around 450,000 HEV’s or 125,000 PHEV’s. 

In addition, our parent company, TODA Kogyo Corporation has robust R&D capabilities, and is currently working to commercialize the next-generation Li-ion cathode materials using the latest technology licensed from Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). TODA America already produces several cathode material products using proprietary Li-metal oxide combinations and technologies, serving the transportation, consumer electronics, and industrial tool markets worldwide. Advances made by TKC will push the future capabilities of TODA America even further.

Future Directions

TODA America’s plans for the North American cathode materials production facility has progressed beyond expectations. TODA America is planning for substantial further investment in the U.S., paced with the expected growth of the North American and European battery manufacturing industry. TODA America continues to collaborate closely with federal, state, and local stakeholders and to engage in creative industrial partnering options and is poised to serve as a key contributor in the development of a robust advanced battery manufacturing industry in the North America and Europe.