Highstar's Thailand plant is operational. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Jiangsu Highstar Battery Manufacturing, headquartered in Qidong, Nantong, is accelerating its Southeast Asian expansion with plans to invest 750 million yuan ($103.19 million) in a 2.5GWh cylindrical battery plant in Malaysia. The project will enhance Highstar's delivery capabilities for electric tools, home appliances, and energy storage, further increasing its global market share. 

The Malaysian facility is expected to start production in the third quarter of 2025 with two 18650 multi-tab production lines, followed by a 21700 full-tab production line in the fourth quarter. Another 21700 full-tab line is set to launch in the first quarter of 2026. Full capacity deployment could drive sales into the 1 billion yuan range by 2026.

Meanwhile, Highstar's Thailand plant became operational this year. Its Phase 1 production lines include SMT, wave soldering, and UV coating for high-quality lithium battery protection boards. The plant also features semi-automatic and fully automatic PACK lines for lithium battery assembly, with plans to add three fully automated PACK lines to meet rising overseas demand. 

With its Thailand plant operational and Malaysia project underway, Haisida is strengthening its position in the global power battery and energy storage markets. These expansions will drive long-term stable growth.

Additionally, Highstar is advancing in sodium-ion battery technology. In September 2024, it signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Queensland University of Technology and Xcel Sodium to develop and commercialize sodium-ion batteries in Australia and neighboring regions.