Inlyte and Ervin Partner to Boost Domestic Iron Powder for Next-Gen Batteries

Inlyte Energy has struck a supply chain agreement with Ervin Industries, a US iron materials manufacturer founded over 100 years ago, to develop iron powder formulas optimized for Inlyte's iron-sodium battery systems. The collaboration aims to expand Inlyte's domestic materials sourcing and reduce dependence on overseas supply chains.

Ervin produces engineered steel shot, grit and advanced metal powders for markets including surface preparation, metalworking and advanced manufacturing-all from recycled metals. Under the agreement, the two companies will refine iron powder specifications, materials characteristics and production processes suited to large-scale battery deployment.

The pitch rests on what iron and sodium have that lithium doesn't: domestic availability at scale. China controls over 75% of global lithium-ion cell production and an estimated 70-90% of the full value chain, including processing of lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite. Iron is already produced in large volumes in the US-Ervin sources from recycled metal feedstock. For Inlyte, that means a potential supply chain that doesn't run through Chinese processing plants.

Inlyte is finalizing site selection for its first US production facility this year. The company plans commercial deliveries in 2027, working with HORIEN Salt Battery Solutions on the sodium battery systems.

"Ervin's century of experience producing high-quality iron materials gives us a powerful foundation to scale battery manufacturing while strengthening domestic supply chains," said Antonio Baclig, CEO of Inlyte Energy. "By building on existing, domestic terawatt-hour level supply chains of iron and sodium, this technology can scale rapidly to lower the cost of electricity across the country."

"We've spent decades perfecting iron powder processes for demanding industrial applications," said Trent Pearson, President/CEO of Ervin Industries. "Working with Inlyte allows us to apply that knowledge to the fast-growing battery sector and help establish a domestic materials supply chain for next-generation energy technologies."

Source: Inlyte Energy**