Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V., through its Fluor & Energy Materials business, welcomed U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin to commemorate the expansion of its new custom electrolyte production facility in Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday, March 28. This project was made possible by an $8.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense, funding that Senator Baldwin helped secure. The investment is aimed at reinforcing the national lithium-ion battery supply chain, revitalizing Wisconsin’s battery sector, and boosting the production capacity of advanced electrolyte formulations.

During the event, Senator Baldwin commended Orbia's efforts, highlighting the importance of energy innovation and domestic manufacturing. “Wisconsin has always been a place of innovation, and Orbia’s new facility is a strong continuation of that tradition,” she said. “I’m proud to support this initiative, which strengthens our 'Made in Wisconsin' manufacturing base, fosters clean energy growth, and creates high-quality jobs.”

The energy storage industry, valued at approximately $51 billion in 2023, is forecasted to grow at a 7% compound annual growth rate, potentially reaching $86 billion by 2031. This growth is largely driven by the expanding use of lithium-ion batteries in various sectors. Gregg Smith, President of Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials, noted, “The battery industry is powering economic growth across the U.S., with applications ranging from grid stabilization to national security. Our facility will help enhance battery performance, safety, and efficiency as part of a resilient, U.S.-driven battery supply chain.”

The Madison facility, now a full-scale 11,000-square-foot production site, evolved from a successful pilot launch in 2023. Orbia had earlier acquired Silatronix, a Wisconsin-based startup known for its proprietary electrolyte technology, and expanded its operations into a broader custom electrolyte offering. The company continues to invest in the state through its nearby Madison Technology Center, dedicated to R&D in custom electrolytes. Together, these facilities support over 25 jobs.

Orbia also announced its participation in the RESHAPE consortium to support energy materials research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “We’re honored Senator Baldwin inaugurated our facility and championed the federal funding to scale this technology,” said Miki Oljaca, Vice President of Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials. “This expansion marks an exciting phase as we deliver safer, high-performance batteries and continue our innovation journey.”

Orbia's custom electrolyte business supports diverse customers including Navitas Systems, Enovix, Lithion Battery, and Forge Nano, supplying electrolytes for energy storage, electronics, industrial, and military applications. The facility also strengthens Orbia's North American battery material portfolio, including electrolyte salts (LiPF6), PVDF cathode binders, specialty additives, and recycled anode materials.