Ilika makes positive progress with Stereax manufacturing plans

Solid-state battery technology company Ilika updated the market on progress in implementing its ‘Stereax’ manufacturing plans on Tuesday, reporting that its main contractor has completed construction of the 340 square metre cleanroom at the 1,600 square metre manufacturing facility, and had now handed over site control to its operational team.

The AIM-traded firm said the key deposition tools, previously referred to as ‘tool 1’ and ‘tool 2’, as well as the principal etching equipment, had completed factory acceptance tests and been delivered to site for facilitation before the start of site acceptance testing, and the commencement of process qualification.

Process qualification would continue through the fourth quarter, with product qualification expected to take place in the first quarter of 2022, supporting the start of product sales from the second quarter.

Recruitment of the Stereax manufacturing team leaders had also been completed, under the leadership of Paul Marron, Ilika's technology transfer and manufacturing director.

Ilika said it was continuing to engage with its portfolio of customers from the industrial internet-of-things (IoT) and medical device sectors, including through the provision of Stereax samples from its pilot line.

“Progress on site has been very gratifying to see over the summer and, despite significant global disruption to supply chains, the Ilika team, our vendors and suppliers have worked very hard to deliver our planned project implementation schedule,” said chief executive officer Graeme Purdy.

At 1130 BST, shares in Ilika were up 0.94% at 134.25p.