From humble beginnings in 1988 to becoming a member of Hudaco, a JSE listed company in 2017, Eternity Technologies is proudly taking the industrial battery industry by storm.
What began as MMD Battery Services under founder Mike Coleman, the company was formed to service the growing global demand for lead acid batteries, chargers, battery monitoring systems & battery accessories specifically in the electric materials handling equipment sector.
In 2013 Eternity Technologies South Africa was formed and the product range was expanded substantially, offering a much broader range of batteries namely lead acid, lithium-ion, solar, and bloc batteries. In 2019 we took another giant leap forward when a fully functional formation plant was opened at our Head Office in Benoni. Lead acid battery cells are now locally produced on South African soil.
In addition to manufacturing cells locally, more than half of the components that go into our products are locally manufactured. It is important for us to use local talent and materials to the fullest.
How are the lead acid cells formed?
Step 1 – plate merging
The first step in the process consists of the burning of the positive and negative plates together. “We import the positive and negative plates individually from our partners overseas and begin the manufacturing process here. The plates are moulded together and a Grubar is formed at the top as well. This is the bar that will allow the negative and positive charge to merge and work together” says Ben Van Der Walt, Eternity Technologies SA’s Plant Production Manager.
Step 2 – plates sealed
Once the plates and Grubar are solidified together, the unit is placed into a plastic container and sealed together with a lid.
Step 3 – pressure tested
The sealed unit is then sent through a Hadi unit to seal it completely. It is then pressure tested to make sure the unit is completely closed.
Step 4 – the unit is formed
During this step, the battery unit is technically formed. It is passed through the formation unit where lead acid and an electric voltage are pumped through it. This is a highly specialised process in which the chemical reaction is created with finite precision using a state-of-the-art Imbatek machine imported from Germany. “The Imbatek machine is able to electrify the unit to a specified amperage depending on what is required of that specific unit. This process is slow and controlled and takes up to 23 hours to be completed” adds Ben.
Step 5 – cool down
Once the unit has been electrified in the formation unit, it needs to be allowed time to cool down. This process can take up to 24 hours and once it is cool, the unit is tested by a skilled technician to check for correct amperage and to confirm the success of the formation.
Step 6 – dispatch and distribution
The battery units are then formed together in certain packages depending on the customers’ needs and specifications. All units are stringently quality checked and assessed against the company’s strict safety standards.
Innovation at Eternity Technologies
At Eternity Technologies we’re always seeking new and different battery technologies to offer our customers. Our newest and most innovative range called QUASAR utilises industry leading thin tube positive plate technology along with carbon nanotube technology in the negative plate to deliver high energy density, improved high-rate discharge performance with fast charging capability. This range was launched in South Africa in September 2021.
Eternity Technologies, taking battery manufacturing into the future
Our aim is to become the South African leaders in the OEM (original equipment manufacturers) space and to supply our customers in SA with locally made product that is of an excellent standard. We believe we are making great strides towards being the best in the industry!
Contact Eternity Technologies today to find out more about our products and services.