Celgard Expands Capacity To Meet Rising Global Demand

09/18/2008

Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 18, 2008 – Celgard, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polypore International, Inc. (NYSE:PPO), and a leading global supplier of material for lithium-ion batteries, today formally opened a 112,000-square-foot, $18 million expansion of production and warehouse facilities adjacent to its headquarters in the South Point Business Park in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In a ceremony here today attended by customers, employees, dignitaries and local officials, Celgard unveiled new machinery and equipment that boosts capacity for production of the company’s lithium-ion battery membrane separators. In addition, executives showcased expanded R&D capabilities and improvements in warehousing and logistics capabilities.

The company has already added 32 jobs to support the increased production. Celgard employs about 330 in the Charlotte area and 425 around the world.

“The global market for lithium-ion batteries is expanding rapidly, and this new facility enables us to support our customers’ growth as they continue to ramp up production,” said Celgard vice president and general manager Mitch Pulwer. “It also strengthens our already robust R&D efforts to create technologies essential for more powerful, longer lasting, highly reliable batteries.”

Celgard develops and produces specialty microporous membranes including separators for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that are the primary power supply for electronic devices such as notebook computers, mobile telephones and other personal electronic devices. Celgard membrane separators also are used in lithium-ion batteries in other growing high performance applications such as power tools and plug-in electric (PEVs) and hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs).

The company supplies lithium-ion battery makers throughout the world from facilities in Charlotte and China, with production expected to begin in South Korea in the near future. Celgard has the lithium-ion battery separator industry’s broadest product portfolio including the world’s leading dry-process tri-layer (PP/PE/PP) and polypropylene (PP) monolayer lithium-ion battery separators.

In view of a fast-growing global market, opening of the enlarged facility is opportune.

Demand for lithium battery powered electronic devices around the world is growing at eight percent per year and Celgard’s customers are building new plants to keep up with the burgeoning demand. In addition, potential demand for lithium-ion batteries to power PEVs and HEVs is substantial.

“We are especially proud of all our Celgard employees in Charlotte and around the world. Thanks to their efforts and dedication, we continue to thrive in a highly competitive, high stakes global industry,” said Pulwer.

The Charlotte expansion comes on the heels of a $25 million investment in a manufacturing facility in Ochang, South Korea, in May, and continuing investment in a slitting operation in Shanghai, China.

Celgard, LLC is a global leader in the development and production of specialty microporous membranes, including separators used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for personal electronic devices such as notebook computers, mobile telephones, digital cameras, and other high performance applications such as power tools, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) and fuel cells.