"Companies are faced with the challenge of reconciling fluctuating raw material prices, significant investment costs, non-transparent cost structures and high demands on sustainability and purchasing security," says Hendrik Walter, Head of Strategic Corporate Development at Fraunhofer FFB. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of innovative technology developments from German and European companies. On the contrary: developments are being made in all areas that have the potential to significantly advance battery cell production. These include product and production innovations, such as sodium-ion batteries or the dry coating process. However, the dynamics of innovation in particular make it difficult to make reliable cost forecasts and fact-based investment decisions. "The ability to classify innovations correctly and translate them into reliable planning is becoming a key factor in international competition," emphasises Walter.
Cost control along the entire value chain
The cooperation between Kerkhoff Consulting and Fraunhofer FFB enables end-to-end project solutions: Industrial customers benefit from detailed cost driver analyses and well-founded evaluations of cost structures. This results in a reliable basis for decision-making for investments and negotiations.
This is complemented by calculation and negotiation expertise based on methods of behavioral economics and game theory. Systematic preparation ensures professional action in all conceivable negotiation and market situations. This forms the basis for determining which battery cells with specific performance parameters can be procured at which target costs.
"Production processes and cell chemistries are changing at a rapid pace due to research-based innovations, raw material markets remain volatile and investments in production lines are capital-intensive. At the same time, customers and markets demand a rapid response, clear positioning and competitive cost structures," say Andreas Dölecke and Jens Hornstein. The two senior partners and members of the management of Kerkhoff, part of Interpath, manage international projects for their industrial clients within the alliance.
Collaboration for cost-optimised battery cell production
Based on this joint methodology, concrete solutions are developed that closely interlink research and practice. "Our task as Fraunhofer FFB is to accelerate the transfer of research into industrial application. We thus ensure new, efficient and scalable production processes and technologies in the field of battery production. With Kerkhoff, we have a partner who transfers these into economical and resilient supply chains. Together, we offer tailor-made solutions for the industry," emphasises Dr Florian Degen, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Fraunhofer FFB.
Andreas Dölecke emphasises economic viability as a decisive factor: "Technical innovations are only effective if they are also economically viable. This is precisely where we combine our DNA with that of Fraunhofer FFB to help industrial clients make the best future-proof decisions with technological clarity and strategic negotiation expertise. Availability of the best technology at the best price."
Benefits for a wide range of industries
The partnership results in professionally negotiated value creation networks with reliable and predictable target costs. According to Fraunhofer FFB, companies benefit from strategic negotiations that open up financial leeway for complex procurement projects. These are industrial sectors in which modern battery technology is used: from household appliances and micromobility to automotive, mechanical engineering, defense, medical technology, energy and electronics.
Caption: Battery cells have become a key strategic component – innovations from Europe such as sodium-ion batteries and dry coating are driving development forward. However, high investment costs and volatile markets are challenging companies. (Image: Fraunhofer FFB)
Source: Fraunhofer FFB
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