Brunswick acquires lithium battery provider

Brunswick Corporation has acquired RELiON Battery, a global provider of lithium batteries and related products, as part of its ‘Next Wave’ strategy. The company has also announced plans for a new Electrification Technology Centre to be located in Michigan later this year.

Brunswick’s Electrification Technology Centre will focus on high voltage battery development and will employ engineers, scientists, and designers in a world-class facility.  

“Brunswick’s Advanced Systems Group continues to drive widespread adoption of lithium-ion battery and power management systems in both marine and mobile markets. The addition of RELiON to our portfolio reinforces our position as a leading supplier of lithium batteries for RV and recreational boating,” says Dave Foulkes, Brunswick Corporation CEO. “In addition, the formation of our new technology center will meaningfully advance our high-voltage electrical systems capabilities.”   

RELiON products power a range of applications in the marine, recreational vehicle, solar, and industrial segments. RELiON boasts one of the largest lines of 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V lithium battery systems in the industry with products distributed globally through a wide array of retail, OEM, and distribution partners. 

“The RELiON acquisition perfectly complements our existing portfolio of industry-leading advanced battery and power management brands, like Mastervolt, ProMariner, and Blue Sea Systems,” says Brett Dibkey, Advanced Systems Group president. “As the need for higher performing and greener energy grows, now with RELiON, ASG will be at the forefront of delivering innovative technology to our global customers.” 

Headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina, RELiON opened an expanded Technology Centre outside of Seattle in 2019, which will provide Brunswick additional capacity and capabilities to bring the next generation of lithium batteries to its global customer base.  

“Our vision to be the most sought after and admired lithium battery company in the world has now been exponentially bolstered by joining Brunswick Corporation’s Advanced Systems Group,” says Paul Hecimovich, RELiON Battery CEO. “We feel it is our duty to do better as a business, making our batteries as sustainable as possible for our customers who enjoy being outdoors.” 

Brunswick says both the RELiON acquisition and plan for its Electrification Technology Centre support the Company’s ACES (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification, and Shared Access) strategy and will enable Brunswick’s Advanced Systems Group (ASG) to extend its leadership position in electrical systems innovation.   

“We are on the leading edge of increased adoption of battery technology to power both propulsion and on‐board house systems,” said Dibkey. “We see the acquisition of RELiON and the new technology center as a tremendous opportunity to expand our electrification portfolio, and we are thrilled to have RELiON as part of the Brunswick family and look forward to our current and new customers benefiting from this expanded product lineup.”