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Boating Business

Brunswick Acquires Lithium Battery Maker

RELiON makes lithium-ion batteries for a range of applications including marine.

Brunswick Corporation is continuing its Next Wave business plan, announcing that it has acquired ReliON Battery, LLC, a manufacturer of lithium batteries and related products to multiple industry sectors. Additionally, Brunswick has plans for a new Electrification Technology Center that will be located in Michigan. Both actions support Brunswick’s ACES (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification and Shared Access) strategy and will let the company’s Advanced Systems Group (ASG) extend its leadership position in electrical systems development.

Enhanced Portfolio

“Brunswick’s Advanced Systems Group continues to drive widespread adoption of lithium-ion battery and power management systems in both marine and mobile markets,” said David Foulkes, CEO of Brunswick Corporation. “The addition of RELiON to our portfolio reinforces our position as a leading supplier of lithium batteries for RV and recreational boating. In addition, the formation of our new technology center will meaningfully advance our high-voltage electrical systems capabilities.”

RELiON products power applications in the marine, recreational vehicle, solar and industrial segments. RELiON is dedicated to leading the world’s transition to lithium energy storage and boasts one of the largest lines of 12-, 24, 36 and 48-volt lithium battery systems. RELiON products are distributed globally through an array of retail, OEM and distribution partners.

RELiON’s lightweight, powerful batteries are being used by professional bass teams.

“The RELiON acquisition perfectly complements our existing portfolio of industry-leading advanced battery and power management brands like Mastervolt, ProMariner and Blue Sea Systems,” said Brett Dibkey, ASG president. “Beyond strengthening our product and brand portfolio, RELiON brings a talented and passionate team of people who are committed to powering the world’s transition to sustainable energy sources.”

Sustainable Vision

Headquartered in Rock Hill, S.C., RELiON opened an expanded technology center outside of Seattle in 2019. It will provide Brunswick additional capacity and capabilities to bring the next generation of lithium batteries to its global customer base.

“Our vision to be the most sought after and admired lithium battery company in the world has now been exponentially bolstered by joining Brunswick Corporation’s Advanced Systems Group,” said Paul Hecimovich, RELiON Battery LLC, CEO. “We feel it is our duty to do better as a business, making our batteries as sustainable as possible for our customers who enjoy being outdoors.”

New Facility

Additionally, Brunswick announced it will open the Electrification Technology Center later this year in Michigan. The facility will focus on high-voltage battery development and will employ engineers, scientists and designers.

Brett Dibkey, president of Brunswick’s Advanced Systems Group.

“We are on the leading edge of increased adoption of battery technology to power both propulsion and on-board house systems,” said Dibkey. “We see the acquisition of RELiON and the new technology center as a tremendous opportunity to expand our electrification portfolio.”