Log9 Materials, a pioneering lithium-ion battery maker in India, is sounding the alarm over potential production disruptions at its Bengaluru facility. The hiccup? A delay in the arrival of Chinese experts due to visa approval hold-ups by the Indian government.
What Happened? Pankaj Sharma, Log9’s co-founder, expressed his concerns to Reuters, stating, “Without the timely presence of these Chinese engineers, our production could face significant setbacks.” The company relies heavily on these experts to install and upgrade machinery imported from China.
Sharma highlighted that a four-month visa delay could seriously impede the factory’s journey to full operational capacity.
Bureaucratic problems: This situation underscores a broader challenge. As India ambitiously positions itself as a global manufacturing powerhouse, especially for businesses diversifying from China, such bureaucratic snags could deter potential investors.
Log9’s Bengaluru unit, currently its sole manufacturing hub, boasts an impressive annual capacity of 250 MWh. Their batteries are the driving force behind the electric vehicles of major players like Maersk, Blue Dart Express, Quantum Energy, and Hala Mobility, reflecting India’s green tech push.
After selling 1,000 battery units in 2023 and 4,000 the previous year, Log9, backed by heavyweights like Amara Raja Batteries and Malaysia’s Petronas, successfully secured $40 million (₹330.5 crore) in funding earlier this year. Sharma hinted at another funding round on the horizon, either by year-end or early next year.
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