Business Enquirer Issue 123 | Procell | March 2024

INNOVATIVE BATTERIES TO SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

THE HIDDEN HERO IN YOUR BUSINESS

THE BATTERY DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR INDUSTRIES KEEPING YOU RUNNING SMOOTHLY

Is there more value in the humble battery that meets the eye? From Business Enquirer’s conversation with Martin Almond, After Market Sales Director at Procell (by the Duracell company), we say: yes!

First invented in 1800 by the Italian chemist and physicist Alessandro Volta, the battery has come a long way thanks to innovative battery manufacturers such as Procell.

In an industry first, Procell has developed a dual portfolio battery for professionals, its solutions primarily supporting the medical, hospitality, infrastructure, industrial, and security sectors.

For context, an infusion pump, hand sanitiser, or defibrillator in a hospital could be using a Procell battery, so too a door key pad or security camera in a hotel, or a cable tester in a manufacturing plant.

“Procell batteries are the hidden hero behind a variety of applications, helping to keep services running smoothly,” explained Martin.

Procell’s dual portfolio features its innovative ‘Intense’ and ‘Constant’ range.

The Intense range has been specifically engineered to last longer in high drain professional devices that require a high amount of power to deliver precise pulses.

Meanwhile, Procell’s Constant range of batteries have been innovated to offer long lasting performance in low-drain professional devices. These devices, for example smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, require a power output profile built to reliably handle consistent use over a long period, whilst also providing long lasting performance.

Whilst embedding its Procell range of batteries is a priority for the business, it is also on a mission to enhance its offering by innovating in sustainability and value added technology.

Exciting Opportunities in Sustainability

Having developed a dual portfolio of batteries designed to meet the needs of industrial outputs, Procell’s offering is inherently a sustainable and efficient one.

“We work closely with our customers to ensure they are using the right batteries for the right application. This means our

DURACELL/PROCELL

DURACELL/ PROCELL

PROJECT

DIRECTED BY: JAMIE WAITE

ARTICLE

WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING

customers can save money by replacing less, whilst also reducing their waste,” shared Martin.

Offering disclosure to its customers, Procell has launched a cost calculator, which guarantees to prove a minimum 20% saving when using the correct Procell battery. Savings also include the cost of replacing the batteries.

However, with its partnerships with its customers, Procell has identified that businesses seek more sustainable features within products in their supply chain.

“Focussing on how Procell can value add with sustainability features is a pivotal opportunity for the business,” Martin said, “It’s a very exciting time, as we’re investigating how we can close the production loop of our product, using as many components from waste batteries as possible and turning them into new ones”.

Procell is also on a mission to improve the amount of its batteries that end up in battery recycling bins. Recently the business has worked with BT Openreach on a recycling scheme, providing the UK wide business with recycling bins.

“We have been working with BT Openreach on this project for around ten months. Ultimately, the goal is to make life easier for our end-users when it comes to sustainability,” shared Martin.

Making an Impact

Setting Procell apart from its competitors is its ability to embed itself into its clients business to truly understand pain points, enabling the battery producer to innovate products that are fit-for-purpose and provide added value.

“By working collaboratively with our OEM customers, we can help them to tweak their devices to ensure they are performing optimally, as well as providing a cost-benefit analysis,” explained Martin.

In a 9 month long project, Procell partnered with BD for the unique requirements of a morphine pump in need of a nine volt battery. Working alongside the manufacturers, Procell Technical Engineers were able to develop the product, allowing the NHS to achieve the best possible results through the lifecycle of the morphine pump.

“That’s why it’s crucial that our team really gets involved in understanding what those devices are - once we understand them, our Technical Engineers can develop them to make sure that they’re getting the best out of those devices wherever they’re used,” explained Martin.

Martin added that the technical aspect of Procell is truly what sets it apart from its consumer brand, Duracell.

In another innovative step for Procell, it has released its InSite project in the US.

The project has developed a device to monitor power within a set of batteries which is linked to an online portal. This enables end-users to monitor battery life in products across the business, alerting the user to any batteries which need changing.

“A good example of this is within hotel door locks using key cards. This will help to improve business operations by alerting engineers to when the door lock needs a new battery before its flagged by the hotel customer. Ultimately, this will improve customer experience whilst also improving sustainability and efficiency,” Martin shared.

And it’s not just hotels which will see the benefit, the monitoring technology can be retrofitted to a whole host of applications, Martin added.

KEY FACTS ABOUT PROCELL’S DUAL PORTFOLIO

Procell Intense

Optimised active materials to improve efficiency

Separator paper designed to reduce internal resistance and shorting

High performing cathode to deliver more power

Optimised for high rate performance

High conductivity to reduce internal resistance

Building Brand Equity

Considered a start-up within the Duracell business, Procell has undergone vast change in the last four years since its launch. Now, Martin says, the battery brand aimed at industry will undergo a period of stability.

“Now that we have developed a fantastic dual portfolio of batteries which is having a clear impact on our customers, we are focussed on building brand equity,” said Martin.

Recommended by industry leaders such as Ajax Systems, GANTNER Electronic,

Procell Constant

High density anode with Increased active materials to improve capacity

Thin paper design to enable more active materials and improve performance

High energy density material to deliver more capacity

Optimised for low rate performance

Increased conductivity to improve

and Tork, Procell is focussed on seeing a double-digit growth year on year.

“With the Duracell brand well established, Procell is the growth driver for the business, which is an incredible opportunity for the whole Procell team,” Martin added.

To bolster its growth, Procell will continue to work in partnership with customers to embed its dedicated team, and discover new opportunities to innovate its products, with a vision to become the industry battery of choice.

www.procell.com