Winnebago Industries, a leading outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer, today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Lithionics Battery (Lithionics), a lithium-ion battery solutions provider to recreational equipment and speciality vehicle markets.
Back in March 2022, Winnebago Industries announced its e-RV all-electric motorhome concept. This is one of the first all-electric motorhome concepts from the major recreation vehicle (RV) manufacturer and it’s good to see another legend of the open road being offered as a zero-emissions electric vehicle (EV). This collaboration shows that a leisure RV brand as big as Winnebago sees the future on the road as electric.
The addition of Lithionics will provide Winnebago Industries with enhanced technological and engineering capabilities to offer consumers more differentiated products with innovative electrical solutions. Plus, this will bring strategic sourcing benefits and secure a critical area of its supply chain. The full terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Founded in 2010, Lithionics is a provider of advanced battery solutions that deliver “house power,” supporting internal electrical features and appliances for a variety of outdoor products including RVs, boats, speciality and other low-speed vehicles, as well as other industrial applications.
Lithionics’ innovation in house power solutions will continue to advance important outdoor recreation product features for consumers, including extending time off-the-grid, improving reliability, reducing noise and generating fewer emissions.
Lithionics’ premium lithium-ion batteries use voltage stability, long life expectancy, lighter construction and the highest energy densities possible to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective electrification solutions. The company’s best-in-class battery technology is differentiated by its proprietary management software and certifications from Underwriters Laboratories Solutions (“UL”), a leader in safety accreditation and testing.
Michael Happe, Winnebago Industries President and CEO, said: “The addition of Lithionics enhances Winnebago Industries’ ability to develop unique and diverse battery solutions across our portfolio, advancing our overall electrical ecosystem, driving organic growth and supply chain security, reinforcing our technological competitive advantage and allowing us to capitalise on consumer preferences for fully immersive, off-the-grid outdoor experiences.
“Lithionics’ talented employees bring a unique familiarity with our business and the broader outdoor recreation space, as well as share a commitment to quality and safety that fits seamlessly with our culture of excellence.
“We see significant opportunity to expand the use of their efficient energy solutions within our own portfolio, to continue to grow relationships with other existing customers and to explore new market applications.
“Through these applications, we expect Lithionics will enhance Winnebago Industries’ margin profile over the near- and long-term and create value for our shareholders, employees and consumers. We look forward to working with Steve and his team to integrate their unique platform of electrical capabilities.”
Lithionics currently serves a critical role in the supply chains of Winnebago Industries’ RV brands, providing trusted battery solutions to Winnebago and Newmar.
Steve Tartaglia, Lithionics founder and CEO, said: “By combining Lithionics’ differentiated battery systems and Winnebago Industries’ strong brands and innovation expertise, we will create a range of technologically superior products that will change the way people experience the outdoors.
“This will allow them to bring the comfort of electricity with them wherever they travel. The entire team at Lithionics looks forward to joining forces with Winnebago Industries to turn this vision into reality.”
