Poland's EMBS strengthens e-bike battery capabilities

EMBS assembles several million battery packs a year for a multitude of applications from its location in Poland. Having recently transferred in ownership from UK chemical conglomerate Johnson Matthey to German company Prettl Group, the battery manufacturer has a renewed focus on expanding its e-bike battery customer base in Europe.

For over 25 years, EMBS has been supplying battery solutions for market leaders in the e-bike industry. Produced in Europe, the in-house designed and engineered battery packs offer capacities ranging from 450 Wh to >800 Wh to meet the needs of urban commuters, cargo and high-performance e-MTBs. the company has been mass-producing e-bike batteries for a market-leading player for several years.

Change of ownership: From JMBS to EMBS

In May 2024, the battery manufacturer formerly known as Johnson Matthey Battery Systems changed its name to EMBS following a takeover. The acquisition of EMBS by the privately-owned Prettl Group aimed to significantly strengthen the company’s competitiveness and expand its customer base in the e-bike market. With several Prettl Group companies capable of supplying e-bike components, EMBS is now positioning itself as a one-stop shop. This strategic move also aligns with Prettl’s GoZero sustainability initiative, offering EMBS enhanced resources, broader synergies and improved access to global markets.

EMBS has been operating from the current 12,500-square-metre production site in Gliwice since 2016. The facility supports the battery manufacturing process from prototype to full-scale production. The production area, warehouse and offices all fall under one roof. The manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic production lines can be easily adapted to the complexity, volume and specific goals of each incoming project.

Advantages in Poland

The production facility is located within Katowice’s special economic zone (KSSE), an expansive industrialised area. Here, Polish and foreign entrepreneurs can conduct business on special, more preferential conditions than in other parts of the country. Over 540 business entities are currently operating in the Katowice KSSE, 61% of which are active in the automotive industry. So far, these businesses have invested approximately €9,6 billion and created more than 90,000 new jobs. The location also benefits from its proximity to major air and road transportation routes for fast delivery.

Expansion outside of Europe

During a recent visit, Bike Europe learnt that the company’s current strategy is focused on winning new projects, investing in innovation, and expanding both design and manufacturing capabilities. These strategic moves will allow the manufacturer to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, advanced lithium-ion battery systems across Europe, and beyond. The United States is another location where the company is considering developing production for the near future.

“EMBS is actively exploring new battery chemistries and technologies”

Cell suppliers

“Thanks to its long operational history and high-volume serial production, EMBS has secured access to a broad supplier base and built strategic partnerships with leading global cell manufacturers — gaining advantages in both pricing and delivery timelines,” Petr Grzegorz, head of business development & marketing told Bike Europe on a recent visit.

“For the long term, EMBS is actively exploring new battery chemistries and technologies to remain a leading market supplier. Sustainability is also a key priority, with efforts to reduce lithium-ion cell waste through optimised production processes,” Grzegorz concluded.