Samsung SDI
Corporate brand
UnclaimedSouth Korean technology manufacturer specializing in rechargeable batteries, electric-vehicle and energy-storage systems, and advanced electronic materials.
Last updated October 14, 2026
Overview
Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. is a South Korean manufacturer whose two principal businesses are rechargeable batteries and electronic materials. It is part of Samsung Group and is headquartered in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. The company's battery business supplies cells and related battery products for information-technology devices, electric vehicles, and energy-storage systems, while its materials business serves semiconductor and display manufacturing. The company began in 1970 as Samsung-NEC Inc., initially producing vacuum tubes. It expanded into cathode-ray tubes during the 1970s and changed its name to Samsung Electron Device Inc. in 1984. The business subsequently entered liquid-crystal-display production and developed a cylindrical lithium-ion battery by 1998. In 1999, it adopted the Samsung SDI name, marking the identity under which it became increasingly associated with rechargeable batteries and advanced electronic components. Samsung SDI began producing active-matrix organic light-emitting diode displays in 2007, although its later strategic emphasis became more concentrated on batteries and materials. A major corporate turning point came in 2014, when Samsung SDI merged with Cheil Industries. The following year it acquired Magna International's battery-pack business, strengthening its capabilities beyond cell manufacturing and supporting its position in automotive electrification. The company has since developed a global production network, with battery-cell facilities in South Korea and overseas locations including the United States, China, Hungary, and Malaysia. Its customer and application base spans consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage. As of 2024, Audi was identified as one of its supply customers. Samsung SDI's technology agenda includes next-generation batteries. It began building a pilot line for solid-state batteries in Suwon in 2022 and reported first production from that line in 2023. This work complements its established lithium-ion portfolio and reflects the industry's efforts to improve energy density, safety, charging performance, and lifecycle characteristics. In the first half of 2022, SNE Research ranked Samsung SDI sixth globally among battery manufacturers, with a reported five-percent market share. The company has also had a historical presence outside manufacturing. Its rugby union team competed in Korea's top rugby league from 2003 through 2014 and won four championships, in 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2012. Samsung SDI remains an active listed industrial company, organized around Energy Solutions and Electronic Materials, although specific current executive details are not included here because the supplied reference material does not identify them.
History
Samsung SDI was established in 1970 as Samsung-NEC Inc. Its original business was the manufacture of vacuum tubes, reflecting the electronics industry's reliance at the time on television and other display components. In 1975, the company expanded into cathode-ray tubes, a product line that later became central to its display-related activities and also led to a European Commission price-fixing investigation decades later. In 1984, the company changed its name to Samsung Electron Device Inc. It broadened its display technology operations and entered liquid-crystal-display production in 1986. During the 1990s, Samsung Electron Device began building capabilities in rechargeable batteries. The company developed a cylindrical lithium-ion battery by 1998, an important step toward the small-format battery products used in portable electronics and later toward larger automotive and stationary applications. In 1999, it adopted the name Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. The early 2000s brought further diversification in display and energy technologies. Samsung SDI formed a rugby union team in 2003 that competed in Korea's highest-level domestic league until 2014; the team won championships in 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2012. In 2007, Samsung SDI began producing AMOLED displays, adding an emerging flat-panel technology to its existing display portfolio. The company underwent a significant structural change in 2014 through its merger with Cheil Industries. The transaction reinforced Samsung SDI's role within Samsung Group and combined battery, electronic-materials, and related industrial capabilities. In 2015, Samsung SDI acquired Magna International's battery-pack business. This expanded its automotive offering from battery-cell technology toward pack-level integration and helped support the company's participation in the growing electric-vehicle supply chain. Samsung SDI subsequently developed a global manufacturing footprint. By October 2023, the company was reported to operate two battery-cell plants in South Korea and four overseas battery-cell plants in the United States, China, Hungary, and Malaysia. Its Energy Solutions segment covers rechargeable batteries for information-technology devices, electric vehicles, and energy-storage systems. Its Electronic Materials segment supplies products for semiconductor and display manufacturing. The company has also invested in technologies intended to succeed or complement conventional lithium-ion systems. In 2022, Samsung SDI began constructing a solid-state-battery pilot line in Suwon, South Korea. The pilot line recorded its first production in 2023. The initiative reflects the industry's pursuit of greater safety and energy density, although the supplied sources do not establish commercial-scale launch details. Samsung SDI's historical cathode-ray-tube operations brought regulatory scrutiny. In 2012, the European Commission fined Samsung SDI and other major companies for participation in a television cathode-ray-tube price-fixing scheme. More recent reporting supplied for this dossier describes allegations concerning chemical exposure and environmental compliance at the company's Göd plant in Hungary in 2026. Those allegations should be treated as reported claims rather than established findings; the supplied material also states that Hungary's Supreme Court revalidated the plant's environmental certification. As a listed Samsung Group company, Samsung SDI now operates primarily through the Energy Solutions and Electronic Materials segments. Its battery products serve consumer electronics, electric mobility, and stationary storage, while its materials business supports semiconductor and display value chains. SNE Research ranked it sixth among global battery manufacturers in the first half of 2022, assigning it a five-percent market share.
- 2025
46-phi cylindrical battery mass production begins
[11]Samsung SDI begins mass production of next-generation 46-phi cylindrical batteries.
- 2024
First North American battery plant begins production
[3]StarPlus Energy begins mass production at its first Indiana battery plant in December.
- 2024
General Motors battery joint venture is finalized
[3]Samsung SDI and General Motors finalize their agreement to establish Synergy Cells in the United States.
- 2024
Joo Sun Choi becomes president and CEO
[6]Joo Sun Choi, formerly CEO of Samsung Display, is appointed president and chief executive officer of Samsung SDI.
- 2023
All-solid-state battery pilot line is completed
[4]The company completes a 6,500-square-meter pilot line and begins prototype sampling for customers.
- 2023
Stellantis joint venture is incorporated
[5]StarPlus Energy is established as Samsung SDI and Stellantis prepare their Indiana production base.
- 2022
North American battery joint venture with Stellantis is established
[1]Samsung SDI and Stellantis agree to form StarPlus Energy and begin preparations for North American battery manufacturing.
- 2022
All-solid-state battery pilot-line construction begins
[1]Samsung SDI begins construction of an all-solid-state battery pilot line in South Korea.
- 2021
PRiMX battery technology brand is launched
[1]Samsung SDI launches PRiMX as its official battery technology brand.
- 2017
Hungarian EV battery plant is completed
[1]Samsung SDI completes construction of an electric-vehicle battery plant in Hungary.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Products and positioning
A technology-led global manufacturer positioned around high-performance rechargeable batteries, electric mobility, energy storage, and advanced materials for semiconductors and displays.
Electric-vehicle batteries · 2011
Automotive prismatic batteries
Samsung SDI’s prismatic automotive cells are designed for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The company emphasizes high energy density, thermal safety, structural efficiency, long service life, and integration into vehicle modules and packs. Premium versions use high-nickel cathode materials and silicon-enhanced anode technologies to improve driving range and charging performance.
Cylindrical battery cells · 2025
46-phi cylindrical batteries
The 46-phi family is Samsung SDI’s next-generation large cylindrical-cell platform. It uses high-capacity cathode materials, proprietary anode technologies, and tabless construction intended to shorten current paths, increase output, and support rapid charging. Samsung SDI began mass production of the platform in 2025 for automotive and other high-power applications.
Battery technology platform · 2021
PRiMX
PRiMX is Samsung SDI’s branded premium battery technology platform. It covers material, electrode, cell, and manufacturing technologies intended to improve energy density, safety, fast charging, service life, and production consistency. PRiMX technologies are applied across automotive, energy-storage, and other rechargeable-battery products rather than representing a single cell format.
Energy-storage systems
Samsung Battery Box
Samsung Battery Box, commonly abbreviated SBB, is a containerized energy-storage product for commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications. It combines battery cells and modules with system components intended to simplify deployment, operation, and maintenance. Later generations, including SBB 1.5, focus on higher installed energy density and improved use of container space.
Consumer and power-tool batteries · 1998
Small-format rechargeable batteries
Samsung SDI produces small-format rechargeable batteries for smartphones, notebooks, tablets, wearables, power tools, e-bikes, light electric vehicles, and other portable equipment. The portfolio includes cylindrical, pouch, and other compact formats designed around customer requirements for capacity, output, weight, safety, cycle life, and rapid charging.
Next-generation batteries
All-solid-state batteries
Samsung SDI is developing all-solid-state batteries that replace conventional liquid electrolytes with solid electrolytes. The company is pursuing higher safety and energy density through solid-electrolyte materials and an anode-less design. A dedicated pilot line was completed in 2023, with customer sampling and development continuing toward a stated mass-production target in 2027.
Electronic materials
Semiconductor process materials
Samsung SDI supplies process materials for semiconductor manufacturing, including spin-on hard-mask and related materials as well as products supporting advanced lithography and patterning. Its electronic-materials business focuses on process simplification, productivity, miniaturization, and compatibility with increasingly demanding semiconductor production technologies.
Electronic materials
Display materials
The company’s display-materials portfolio includes materials used in OLED, thin-film encapsulation, polarizing films, and related display processes. These products build on Samsung SDI’s historical display-component expertise and support the manufacture of thinner, brighter, more durable, and more energy-efficient displays.
Controversies
2012
Cathode-ray-tube price-fixing cartel
The European Commission found Samsung SDI entities involved in infringements in the cathode-ray-tube sector. The decision described coordination of prices, market shares, customers, output, and confidential information among several manufacturers. The conduct concerned the company’s historical display-component business.
Marketing campaigns
- 2025RE+ energy-storage showcase
United States · Global
Samsung SDI presented its next-generation ESS lineup at RE+ 2025, including Samsung Battery Box products, UPS solutions, prismatic batteries, and U.S.-manufacturing capabilities.
Outcome. The showcase supported Samsung SDI’s effort to expand its energy-storage presence in North America and communicate its integrated ESS offering.
- 2023Tech & Career Forum
South Korea · United States · Germany
Samsung SDI organized technology and recruiting forums for doctoral researchers, university faculty, and advanced-degree talent. The program presented the company’s battery and materials strategy while supporting international recruitment.
Outcome. The company expanded the forum beyond South Korea to Munich and San Francisco as part of its global R&D and talent strategy.
- 2023IAA Mobility automotive technology showcase
Europe · Germany
Samsung SDI participated with Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display in a joint automotive technology presentation at IAA Mobility in Munich. The display included premium batteries, cobalt-reduced chemistries, and new form-factor concepts.
Outcome. The event reinforced Samsung SDI’s positioning as an automotive technology supplier and a partner for European vehicle manufacturers.
- 2021PRiMX brand launch
Global
Samsung SDI introduced PRiMX as its official battery technology brand to communicate the company’s premium battery capabilities across automotive, energy-storage, and other markets.
Outcome. PRiMX became a central technology and communications platform for Samsung SDI’s premium battery positioning.
- 2021Deep-sea-mining moratorium partnership
Global
Samsung SDI joined BMW, Volvo, Google, and the World Wildlife Fund in supporting a moratorium on deep-sea mining, linking battery-material sourcing with biodiversity and supply-chain sustainability concerns.
Outcome. The initiative formed part of Samsung SDI’s broader responsible-minerals and sustainability messaging.
Brand decisions
2025
46-phi cylindrical battery mass productionProduct launchBackground
Samsung SDI sought to expand its cylindrical-cell portfolio and address demand for higher-output batteries in electric vehicles and other high-power applications.
Action taken
The company began mass production of 46-phi cylindrical cells incorporating high-capacity cathodes, proprietary anodes, and tabless design.
Aftermath
The platform broadened Samsung SDI’s cell-format portfolio and increased its ability to pursue large cylindrical-cell programs.
2024
Formation of Synergy Cells with General MotorsM&ABackground
Samsung SDI sought an additional North American automotive customer and manufacturing platform while General Motors pursued localized battery capacity.
Action taken
Samsung SDI and General Motors finalized an agreement to establish Synergy Cells in the United States.
Aftermath
The joint venture is intended to support future battery production in Indiana and broaden Samsung SDI’s U.S. customer base.
Planned investment. Approximately USD 3.5 billion (Announced in 2024)
2023
All-solid-state battery pilot lineProduct launchBackground
Battery manufacturers are developing solid-state systems to improve safety and energy density beyond conventional liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion cells.
Action taken
Samsung SDI completed a dedicated pilot line and began prototype sampling for selected customers.
Aftermath
The company continued customer evaluations and stated a target of beginning mass production in 2027.
2022
Formation of StarPlus Energy with StellantisM&ABackground
Automakers and battery manufacturers were localizing North American production to support electric-vehicle supply chains and regional-content requirements.
Action taken
Samsung SDI and Stellantis established StarPlus Energy to build and operate battery plants in Indiana.
Aftermath
The joint venture became Samsung SDI’s first North American battery-production base and began mass production in December 2024.
2021
Launch of the PRiMX battery technology platformStrategyBackground
Samsung SDI needed a unified technology identity for premium battery materials, cells, manufacturing, safety, and fast-charging capabilities.
Action taken
The company launched PRiMX as its official battery technology brand.
Aftermath
PRiMX became a central part of Samsung SDI’s premium battery positioning and product communications.
2015
Acquisition of Magna’s battery-pack businessM&ABackground
Automotive customers increasingly required complete battery systems, modules, and packs rather than individual cells.
Action taken
Samsung SDI acquired Magna International’s battery-pack business.
Aftermath
The acquisition added battery-pack engineering and systems-integration capabilities to Samsung SDI’s automotive business.
2014
Merger with Cheil IndustriesM&ABackground
Samsung SDI sought to strengthen its advanced-materials, chemical, display, and battery-materials capabilities.
Action taken
Samsung SDI merged with Cheil Industries.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened Samsung SDI’s materials portfolio and reinforced its position beyond cell manufacturing.
Recent events
- 2025
Samsung SDI marks its 55th anniversary[15]
Other
The company commemorated 55 years since its January 1970 establishment and highlighted manufacturing competitiveness, battery quality, and new electronic-materials businesses.
- 2025
Samsung SDI begins mass production of 46-phi cylindrical batteries[11]
Product launch · Product generation
Samsung SDI began mass production of next-generation 46-phi cylindrical cells using high-capacity cathode materials, proprietary anode technologies, and tabless design features.
- 2024
Samsung SDI appoints Joo Sun Choi as president and CEO[6]
Leadership change
Samsung SDI appointed Joo Sun Choi, previously chief executive of Samsung Display, as its new president and chief executive officer.
- 2024
StarPlus Energy begins battery production in Indiana[5]
Product launch · M&A
StarPlus Energy, Samsung SDI’s joint venture with Stellantis, began mass production at its first Indiana battery plant in December 2024.
- 2024
Samsung SDI and General Motors establish a battery joint venture[3]
M&A · strategy
Samsung SDI and General Motors reached an agreement to establish Synergy Cells, a U.S. battery joint venture intended to support future electric-vehicle production.
- 2024
Samsung SDI holds its 2024 annual general meeting[7]
Leadership change
Shareholders approved the company’s financial statements, director appointments, and remuneration limit. Jong-sung Kim was reappointed as an executive director and Zin Park was appointed as an executive director.
- 2023
Samsung SDI advances its all-solid-state battery program[4]
Product launch · Product generation
The company completed a 6,500-square-meter pilot line for all-solid-state batteries and began delivering prototype samples to customers later that year.
- 2023
Samsung SDI expands global research network[16]
strategy
Samsung SDI established or expanded overseas research capabilities in the United States, Europe, and China to support battery technology and talent development.
- 2023
Samsung SDI presents next-generation automotive battery technologies at IAA Mobility[13]
Product launch · Campaign
The company showcased prismatic and cobalt-reduced battery solutions, including NMX and LMFP concepts, during its joint Samsung presence at IAA Mobility in Munich.
- 2023
Samsung SDI and suppliers emphasize manufacturing quality and safety[17]
strategy
At its Supplier Day, Samsung SDI emphasized quality, safety, manufacturing competitiveness, and closer collaboration across its battery supply chain.
Sources20 sources
- 1Samsung SDI Company Historysamsungsdi.com
- 2Samsung SDI About Ussamsungsdi.com
- 3Samsung SDI Sustainability Report 2025samsungsdi.com
- 4Samsung SDI Sustainability Report 2024samsungsdi.com
- 5Samsung SDI’s Journeynews.samsungsdi.com
- 6Samsung SDI Announces Joo Sun Choi as New President & CEOsamsungsdi.com
- 7Samsung SDI Holds 54th Annual General Meeting of Shareholdersnews.samsungsdi.com
- 8European Commission Cathode-Ray-Tube Cartel Decisioneur-lex.europa.eu
- 9Samsung SDI Wikipedia Articleen.wikipedia.org
- 10Dedicated automotive-battery plant is completed in Ulsannews.samsungsdi.com
- 1146-phi cylindrical battery mass production beginssamsungsdi.com
- 12Tech & Career Forumnews.samsungsdi.com
- 13IAA Mobility automotive technology showcasenews.samsungsdi.com
- 14RE+ energy-storage showcasesamsungsdi.com
- 15三星SDI迎来成立55周年news.samsungsdi.com
- 16三星SDI扩展全球研究网络news.samsungsdi.com
- 17三星SDI与供应商强调制造质量与安全news.samsungsdi.com
- 18《國際產業》電動車需求不如預期 三星SDI收回GM合資持股 - 財經chinatimes.com
- 19美电动车需求逊预期 三星收购通用汽车联营股权 | 财经orientaldaily.com.my
- 20Samsung SDI pledges to reduce wage gap with contractorskoreaherald.com
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