Remy Battery wins $43m contract with FreshStart packaging innovation
May 23, 2019: Remy Battery announced on May 21 that it had won a $43 million contract with the US Department of Defense to supply up to 83,000 batteries a year for three years. This includes two one-year option extensions.
Remy attributes winning the contract to its new FreshStart product which was short-listed for the BCI innovation awards in 2017.
Remy’s FreshStart is a patented, dry-charged battery packaging and activation solution that eliminates the storage of excess chemicals, reduces hazmat shipping costs, and allows simple and mess-free battery activation by a single individual.
Along with the dry-charged battery, FreshStart contains individually packaged portions of the electrolyte required for each battery cell.
“FreshStart is the all-in-one solution for those looking for the advantages of a dry-charged, lead-acid battery without the extra work to source battery electrolyte and dispose of any excess,” says Michael Moeller, president of Remy Battery (pictured).
“Our product solves a real problem for the US military in a simple, hassle-free way. It is our hope that this government contract will help springboard the FreshStart packaging solution into the private sector for commercial and consumer applications.”
FreshStart efficient packaging frees up storage space with its reduced footprint, allowing more units on a pallet, and reducing shipping costs.
The packaging can also be used to return ship scrap batteries and empty electrolyte bottles for proper recycling. Everything needed to activate the battery is included in one package. This minimizes spills from individual electrolyte bottles with its snug funnel fit.
Adding the electrolyte only when needed lengthens the shelf life and increases the performance of the battery.
Soon after Remy Battery’s recognition at the BCI innovation award, a US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) rule was passed eliminating the permit requirements for shipping batteries packed with electrolyte.
Companies will no longer need to regularly re-apply for a special permit to ship dry batteries packaged with electrolyte.
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