Samsung SDI establishes Boston research and development center

Samsung SDI established its first U.S. research & development (R&D) center, in Boston, the Korean battery maker said Tuesday.

SDI R&D America (SDIRA) will cooperate with universities, start-ups and research institutions for the development of the new technology for lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are suitable for storing high-capacity power, and they are used in a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles and consumer electronics, such as smartphones and PCs.

The opening of Boston research center came only a month after the Korean battery maker opened a center in Munich.

SDI said it plans to open another research center in China in 2023.

The battery maker spent around 877.6 billion won ($670 million) on R&D in 2021, a record-high yearly figure, according to its regulatory filing.

"Establishment of overseas centers is an effort to secure technological competitiveness and strengthen the quality of our products by utilizing global technologies and outstanding workforce from foreign countries," said Samsung SDI CEO Choi Yoon-ho. "Starting with the United States and Europe, we plan to expand our foothold in global markets constantly."

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]