Sonnen begins battery production in former Holden plant

After confirming it was setting up a production facility at the former Holden car manufacturing site in September, German company Sonnen announced its plan to set up shop in November, which has now come to fruition. The company aims to produce 10,000 batteries a year over the next five years to meet demand from Australian households, as well as for export to the Asia–Pacific region.

“Having Sonnen locate its manufacturing centre in Adelaide for the production of home batteries for Australia, Asia and the South Pacific is a significant step in the revitalisation of South Australia’s industrial base,” said SA Premier Steven Marshall at the launch.

The company forecasts the factory to create more than 430 jobs across its operations and installation division within six months of the centre opening, as it ramps up production to match the demand from the $100 million South Australia Home Battery Scheme.

Under the scheme, 40,000 South Australian households will be in line for subsidies of up to $6000 scaled in line with the size of the system being installed.