From 1976 to 2026: 50 Years of Battery Technology at Jauch

/ / Battery Technology, The Company

From Market Entry to a Leading Technology Solution Provider for Lithium Batteries: Development, Certification, and Production from a Single Source

In 1976, Jauch entered the Battery business with the acquisition of the distribution rights for Renata AG, a Swiss manufacturer of button cells for electronic applications. This marked the start of its Battery distribution activities, initially with a clear focus on standard products and the European market.

Over the following decades, Jauch’s Battery business has consistently evolved from a pure distribution operation into a technologically driven solution provider with its own development expertise, an international supplier network, and continuously expanding engineering know‑how. Today, alongside frequency‑control products, the Battery business represents a core pillar of the Jauch Group in a dynamic market environment.

In 2026, Jauch stands for 50 years of experience in Battery technology: the company now supports customers throughout the entire development process – from the design of customized Battery Systems and the creation of initial prototypes to testing and certification for a wide range of industries and markets, as well as volume production of Battery Packs. Jauch focuses on Lithium Battery technology and acts as a specialized provider with a broad yet highly specialized portfolio of Lithium Cells, including high‑temperature cells, application‑specific CR Cells, all common ER and CR cylindrical and button cells, as well as FR03 and FR6 Cells for one‑to‑one replacement of Alkaline Batteries with improved performance and lifetime. A comprehensive, SAP‑supported inventory of standard Lithium Batteries in Villingen‑Schwenningen ensures high availability and short lead times.

A look at the key milestones illustrates how Battery technology at Jauch has evolved over five decades and highlights the technological, organizational, and process expertise that define the Battery business today.

Milestones at a Glance

  • 1976 – Entry into the Battery business:
    Jauch becomes the representative of Renata AG (a Swiss manufacturer of button cells) and begins Battery distribution.
    In the following years: Expansion of the general representation and gradual internationalization of the Battery business
  • 1998 – Early commitment to recycling:
    Jauch becomes one of the first members of GRS Batterien
  • 2003 – Strategic expansion:
    Expansion of the portfolio, establishment of international supplier structures and in‑house Battery experts. Start of intensive activities in Asia, including direct investments, production lines, and audits
  • 2004 – Establishment of own infrastructure:
    Founding of the Battery subsidiary in Switzerland, introduction of in‑house welding technology for button cells, and launch of a test center for Cells and Batteries in Villingen‑Schwenningen
  • 2005 – Internationalization and expansion:
    Expansion of global sales structures through own subsidiaries in France, the UK, and the USA, as well as further development of the network via international partners;
    Commissioning of a deep‑drawing machine for the production of button cell blister packaging and successful market launch of 3.6 V Lithium Thionyl Chloride Cells (Li‑SOCl₂) in the European market
  • 2006 – Start of in‑house production:
    Launch of in‑house production of private‑label blister packaging for hearing aid Batteries in Villingen‑Schwenningen
  • 2007 – Entry into the custom business:
    Introduction of the first customer‑specific Lithium‑Ion and Lithium Polymer Battery Packs
  • 2008 – Increased market visibility:
    First independent trade show appearance of the Battery division at the electronica exhibition in Munich
  • 2012 – Industrialization:
    Establishment of an assembly line for Battery Packs in Villingen‑Schwenningen; certification as a “known consignor” to ensure a secure supply chain for Batteries in air freight
  • 2013 – Compliance and logistics:Official certification as a packer and shipper of Class 9 dangerous goods (category for transport‑hazardous goods such as Lithium Batteries)
  • 2015 – BMS development:Development and programming of Battery Management Systems
  • 2017 – Expansion of testing capabilities:Establishment of a test center for conducting UN 38.3 transport testing
  • 2019 – Market launch of the Jauch Battery brand:
    Introduction of the Jauch‑branded Battery line; launch of the Jauch Academy with seminars on Battery technology
  • 2022 – Expansion of testing expertise:
    Extension of testing capabilities for IEC 62133‑2 as a CTF in collaboration with an accredited CB laboratory
  • 2024 – Infrastructure and production expansion:
    Structural expansion of the existing in‑house test and certification center for Cells and Batteries; transition of Lithium Battery Pack production in Villingen‑Schwenningen to automated welding and Lean‑management‑based flow production; first prototypes
  • 2025 – Full Lean implementation:
    Complete transition of the entire Battery Pack assembly to Lean management principles
  • 2026 – 50 years of Battery technology at Jauch:
    Continuous development of expertise from market entry to full support of customer projects across the entire value chain

Classification and Outlook

Sönke Zacher, Head of Battery Project Management at Jauch and with the company for more than 25 years, has been involved in the Battery business from the very beginning and combines technical expertise with regulatory know‑how from his legal background. He particularly observes the increasing complexity in the development of customized Battery Systems:
“The requirements for custom Battery Packs are becoming increasingly complex – driven by ongoing miniaturization combined with high performance demands, as well as growing regulatory requirements, particularly from the EU. We actively monitor these developments, integrate them into our projects, and share this knowledge with our customers through the Jauch Academy – with the goal of reaching the optimal Battery solution together more efficiently.”

Timo Schmidt, Member of the Executive Board and with Jauch for 25 years, also began his career in the Battery business and has played a key role in shaping its development. He still vividly recalls the first independent trade show appearance of the Battery division at electronica 2008. Today, he focuses in particular on the strategic importance of the Battery segment:
“We are proud that the Battery business has developed into a strong and dynamically growing pillar of the Jauch Group. The continuous expansion of expertise – combined with in‑house development, qualification, and production – forms the foundation for our sustainable growth.”