Easpring Finland New Materials Oy is preparing to commence construction of its cathode active material (CAM) plant in the Keltakallio industrial area of Kotka in April 2025. The company secured a legally binding environmental permit in December 2024, followed by a construction permit for the initial buildings in February 2025. With the plant’s development progressing as planned, commercial production is expected to launch in 2027.

In its first phase, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 60,000 tonnes of cathode active material, a crucial component in lithium-ion batteries. Easpring Finland has also outlined plans for future expansion to meet increasing market demand. At this initial capacity, the plant will create approximately 270 direct jobs. Moreover, the construction phase will generate substantial employment opportunities, with around 800 workers expected on-site during peak construction periods.

The investment, valued at approximately EUR 800 million, is being executed by Easpring Finland New Materials Oy, which was founded in 2024. The company is jointly owned by Beijing Easpring Material Technology (70%) and Finnish Minerals Group (30%). Easpring Finland has also applied for financial support through the clean transition aid scheme for industrial investments, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable production.

Jashon Guan, CEO of Easpring Finland, emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “We have been planning this project alongside our partner, Finnish Minerals Group, for several years. We have also received invaluable support from our local partners, the City of Kotka and Cursor Oy. This investment is a major milestone for Easpring as we establish localized production in Europe to serve the growing market demand.”

The CAM produced at the Kotka plant will primarily be supplied to European battery cell manufacturers, catering to the rising demand for battery solutions in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Once the facility reaches full production capacity, it will be capable of supplying cathode material for approximately 750,000 EVs annually, depending on battery size.

Vesa Koivisto, Chief Commercial Officer of Easpring Finland, highlighted the plant’s role in advancing the European battery industry. “We are excited to commence construction on Finland’s first cathode active material plant. Leveraging the advanced technologies of our parent company, Beijing Easpring, our Kotka facility will deliver high-quality, sustainably produced cathode materials to European battery cell manufacturers.”

With this initiative, Easpring Finland is reinforcing its presence in the European market while supporting the region’s transition to sustainable energy solutions. The Kotka CAM plant is poised to play a crucial role in strengthening the local supply chain for battery production, contributing to Europe’s push for cleaner mobility and energy independence.