The Exide brand plays an important role in the history of the American battery revolution. This brand was originally created by the "Electric Storage Battery Company". Over time, it became Exide Technologies, focusing on the production of various types of batteries, ranging from automotive batteries to industrial batteries. Exide not only has manufacturing plants in the United States, but also has established recycling plants in many regions around the world, and its influence is evident.
Exide has always been the world's leading lead-acid battery manufacturer and continues to innovate in the development of battery technology.
Exide's history dates back to 1888, when William Warren Gibbs founded the Electric Storage Battery Company. Gibbs is targeting electric lighting companies, hoping to use energy storage batteries to provide services that are more in line with customer needs.
With the development of technology in the late 19th century, Exide's battery products began to show great potential in commercial applications, including supporting the operation of the U.S. Navy's first submarine, USS Holland (SS-1). This was not only a technological breakthrough, but also laid the foundation for later submarine battery systems.
In terms of product diversity, Exide produces various types of automotive and industrial batteries, with technologies covering absorbed glass mat (AGM), wet and enhanced wet batteries. In addition, Exide is gradually turning to green technology, with alternatives such as lithium-ion batteries appearing on the market to adapt to the growing market demand.
Exide continues to innovate products, whether in terms of technology or environmental protection, and the company is committed to leading industry progress.
As one of the world's largest lead-acid battery recycling companies, Exide has also made significant efforts in environmental protection. The operation of the recycling facility not only recovers lead but also recovers large quantities of sulfuric acid, which is critical to reducing environmental pollution. In 2017, Exide recycled 35 million pounds of plastic and manufactured 13 million new batteries, demonstrating an example of "closed-loop recycling" in the industry.
As various environmental issues came to light, Exide encountered a series of legal challenges, particularly allegations of pollution at its recycling plants. Still, the company is working hard to restructure its business model and improve its environmental practices and technological advancements in necessary ways.
For example, in 2015 Exide emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and began actively seeking additional financing to support expansion plans. Under this trend, future development strategies will focus on technological innovation and environmental protection measures to continue to maintain competitiveness and a better brand image in the industry.
In Marx's era, knowledge was power. Today, for the battery industry, the real power lies in the fundamental combination of continuous innovation and good environmental protection practices.
The history of the Exide brand is a story about innovation, challenges and responses. With the development of battery technology, different needs and environmental factors make this field face continuous changes. As a pioneer in this area, how can Exide continue to maintain its leadership position in market competition?