EcoPro 創辦人看好三元電池的增長機遇

EcoPro founder Lee Dong-chae delivers a commemorative address at the company's 28th anniversary ceremony at its Pohang campus in North Gyeongsang Province on Oct. 22.

EcoPro marked its 28th anniversary by emphasizing stronger competitiveness in ternary battery materials and preparations for future market demand.

EcoPro said it held its 28th anniversary ceremony at its Pohang campus in North Gyeongsang Province on Oct. 22. In a commemorative address, founder Lee Dong-chae emphasized the importance of taking on challenges, saying, "EcoPro's history has been about taking paths no one else has taken before."

"Demand for batteries with higher energy density will continue to grow, not only in electric vehicles but also in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation mobility," Lee said. "Significant opportunities for ternary batteries will inevitably emerge."

"Companies that prepare for the future during downturns are the ones that become truly strong," he added, urging employees to strengthen technological and quality competitiveness while reducing costs.

EcoPro was founded in 1998 in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province, with initial capital of 100 million won. The company expanded from localizing chemical filters for semiconductor manufacturing processes and environmental businesses into battery cathode materials. In 2013, it entered overseas markets by supplying nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) cathode materials to Sony.

Since 2017, EcoPro has invested approximately 3.3 trillion won to establish an integrated production system in Pohang linking precursor materials, cathode materials and battery recycling operations.

"EcoPro's most valuable asset is not its equipment, buildings or capital, but its people," Lee said, also emphasizing the importance of developing talent.