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Saft Launches Production of New Battery Range Specifically Designed for Telecom Networks

Posted on: Monday, 22 December 2008, 09:05 CST

PARIS, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Saft, leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-end batteries for industry, has completed its investment in its new Tel.X nickel-based product range designed specifically for telecom network applications. The investment program supports a new $9 million production line at its U.S. manufacturing facility in Valdosta, Georgia.

The Tel.X battery range is designed to deliver reliable backup power for the growing number of decentralized facilities, supporting fixed, wireless, cable and cellular networks, which are in remote or demanding outdoor locations.

The new manufacturing line will enable Saft to expand its customer base in a market where performance, reliability and low TCO (total cost of ownership) are crucial. Its focus is on providing a high quality, maintenance-free battery solution for applications subjected to extreme temperature as well as high levels of humidity. With an extended range of capacities, smaller batteries and long service life, the Tel.X batteries are ideally suited for the majority of telecom network applications.

Xavier Delacroix, the General Manager of Saft's IBG division says, "We believe that despite the short-term issues we reported in November in the telecom market, the Tel.X product range will lead to increased sales and market share for Saft. We currently have approximately two percent market share in the telecom network market with our nickel-based batteries. The potential is therefore considerable. Our new production line is a major commitment to this market with very significant growth potential and we are ready to expand it further as demand develops."

Tel.X Ni-Cd battery

Saft's Tel.X battery offers important advantages for demanding outdoor telecom applications in remote areas. It is maintenance-free and compact, light and easy to install -- around 15 minutes for a 48 V battery.

Tel.X has an exceptionally long service life, more than 20 years in normal temperatures and more than 14 years at +40 degrees C. So, in many cases the battery can be expected to outlive other parts of the installation, during which time, under normal operating conditions, it will not need topping-up with water.

The battery also offers high volumic energy density, of up to 100 Wh/L while weighing around 30 percent less than a conventional battery. It is designed for use in standard 19" and 23" racks and cabinets, where its compact size makes it easy to fit and install as a direct replacement for VRLA batteries and it is compatible with all telecom rectifiers.

Tel.X is ideally suited for backup power applications in outdoor installations, such as cabinets and end terminals in fiber-optic 'triple-play' networks as well as BTS (Base Transceiver Station) and BSC (Base Station Controller) installations in wireless networks.

Saft's Tel.X batteries are available in a wide range of capacities. They are being tested by a number of customers around the world.

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in Paris' Stock Market. The stock is mentioned in SBF 120 index.

For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com

SOURCE Saft

Source: PR Newswire

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