Measurement & Manufacturing | Issue 2 | July 2025

Precision in electrification

Beyond Gigafactories Why custom battery pack manufacturing is critical for OEMs

We hear from Alex Stapleton, CCO, Alexander Battery Technologies.

Gigafactories dominate the battery sector, attracting the bulk of investment, media attention and policymaking. Their impact on the automotive industry is undeniable. But for many OEMs outside that space such as those in medtech, robotics and niche EVs, they aren’t the answer. These sectors need flexibility, speed and engineering support that large-scale cell plants aren’t built to deliver. At first glance, this may seem like a volume issue. But the real challenge is adaptability. Gigafactories are built for scale: fixed formats,

long-term programmes and processes that reward consistency. That works for automakers producing millions of vehicles. For OEMs building in the tens of thousands or just a few hundred it can be a poor fit. They need partners who can move quickly, accommodate change and support technically complex products through design, testing and certification. Such OEMs often work in fast-changing environments. Requirements shift, regulations emerge, and product specs evolve. Rigid production schedules or inflexible designs can

28

Measurement & Manufacturing

Powered by