Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 18, On March 28, 2025, Orbia Advance Corporation’s Fluor & Energy Materials business in Mexico City welcomed U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin to Madison, Wisconsin, to open a new custom electrolyte production facility. The expansion, supported by an $8.4-million U.S. Department of Defense contract secured by Senator Baldwin, aims to enhance the U.S. lithium-ion battery supply chain, boost Wisconsin’s battery industry, and increase production of specialized electrolyte formulations.

During the event, Senator Baldwin spoke to Orbia employees and guests, praising their efforts in advancing energy solutions and fostering innovation in Wisconsin. “Wisconsin has always been a state of innovators, and Orbia and this new facility build on that legacy,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to support this project to grow our Made in Wisconsin manufacturing economy, build strong supply chains here at home, drive our clean energy future and create good-paying jobs.”

The energy storage market, valued at approximately $51 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a 7% annual rate, potentially reaching $86 billion by 2031. Lithium-ion batteries, known for their efficiency and versatility, are a key driver of this growth, supporting applications in energy storage, grid stability, and various industries.

Gregg Smith, President of Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials, highlighted the facility’s role in strengthening the U.S. battery sector. “The battery industry is contributing to the growth of the U.S. economy with applications ranging from energy storage and grid stabilization to heavy industry and national security,” said Smith. “Orbia is committed to building a resilient, U.S.-led battery ecosystem, localizing supply chains and expanding domestic manufacturing.”

The new 11,000 square-foot facility follows Orbia’s 2023 beta launch and its acquisition of Silatronix, a Wisconsin-based startup specializing in electrolyte technology. Orbia has also invested in a nearby Madison Technology Center for research and development, with the combined operations supporting over 25 local jobs. Additionally, Orbia will collaborate with the RESHAPE consortium to advance energy materials research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Miki Oljaca, Vice President of Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials, expressed gratitude for Senator Baldwin’s support. “We are proud Senator Baldwin inaugurated our custom electrolyte facility and we celebrate her support securing federal funding to help scale our electrolyte technology to a world-class manufacturing facility,” said Oljaca. “We are excited to enter this next stage of development and bring better, safer batteries to market while continuing our research and innovation efforts.”

Orbia’s facility serves clients like Navitas Systems, Enovix, Lithion Battery, and Forge Nano, providing tailored electrolyte formulations for industrial, consumer, and military applications. This investment strengthens Orbia’s role as a key North American supplier of battery materials, including electrolyte salts, cathode binders, specialty additives, and recycled anodes.