News

Since 2023, the company has set up sales and service teams in Europe and other overseas markets to respond swiftly to customer needs and deliver localized solutions. In April 2025, Putailai’s subsidiary Katop Automation Europe GmbH (“European Katop”) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Germany MOLL Batterien GmbH (“MOLL”), with the aim of collaborating across the entire project lifecycle, from development to mass production.

MOLL Batterien GmbH is a renowned German starter battery manufacturer with over 75 years of experience, specializing in high-quality OE-standard products and a strong commitment to innovation. 

To support MOLL's plan for a new sodium-ion battery plant (2025-2026), European Katop has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the company, combining their respective strengths for the project. The plant, to be located within MOLL's existing infrastructure in Lichtenfels, Germany, will focus on the energy storage sector. Its goal is to develop high-performance sodium-ion batteries for MOLL's storage systems, with a target annual capacity of 500 MWh to 1 GWh, positioning MOLL as a key player in the expanding battery market.

The scope of cooperation encompasses three key areas: OEM services, equipment supply & services, and materials supply.

1. OEM Services: European Katop will provide MOLL with comprehensive solutions for battery electrode manufacturing, including process design, electrode processing equipment, electrode samples, and other devices required for battery prototyping.

2. Equipment Supply & Services: To ensure the successful construction and operation of MOLL’s sodium-ion battery plant, European Katop will leverage support from its parent company, Putailai, to deliver full-spectrum services. This includes R&D for sample equipment, development and supply of production equipment, technical training for equipment personnel, and after-sales support.

3. Materials Supply: Also backed by Putailai, European Katop will supply MOLL with all necessary materials for sodium-ion battery production. This portfolio covers anode materials, separators, binders, current collectors, and aluminum-plastic packaging films, ensuring MOLL receives products optimized for performance, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

The signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation with MOLL represents a major milestone in European Katop's overseas strategy. It demonstrates the company's initial capacity for international project execution and the strong recognition its integrated “equipment-plus-materials” solution model has gained from global clients. Building on this foundation with its high-quality offerings, European Katop is well-positioned to accumulate valuable overseas delivery experience and solidify its footprint in the international market.