China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) has confirmed that a fire at its battery factory in Ningde, Fujian province, has had a “relatively small” impact on its operations. The incident, which occurred around noon on Sunday, did not result in any casualties, the company stated in a response to Reuters.
CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer and a key supplier to Tesla, emphasized that the number of products affected by the fire is minimal and that overall production is expected to remain largely unaffected. “The product volume affected is relatively small, and the impact on CATL’s overall production operation is relatively small,” the company said.
The fire broke out at one of CATL’s advanced production lines, located just 10 minutes from its headquarters. Local media reported that the fire was extinguished by 10:20 p.m. the same day, and the cause is currently under investigation.
This incident contrasts sharply with a more severe fire at South Korean lithium battery maker Aricell’s plant in June, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 23 individuals. Investigators attributed that disaster to a rush to meet production deadlines without adequately addressing quality concerns.
CATL’s reputation for high product reliability and effective manufacturing techniques has positioned it as a leader in the battery industry, helping it to secure partnerships with major electric vehicle manufacturers worldwide. The company’s swift response to the recent fire indicates its commitment to maintaining operational stability despite the challenges posed by such incidents.
As the investigation continues, CATL is likely to implement further measures to ensure safety and prevent future occurrences. With electric vehicle demand continuing to surge globally, the company’s resilience will be crucial in sustaining its market position in the competitive battery manufacturing landscape.