Saft Groupe

Saft Groupe
Name	Saft Groupe
Type	Private
Founded	1918
Founder	Ernest Mercadier
Headquarters	Levallois-Perret, Hauts-de-Seine
Key people	François-Henri Pinault (as Kering relation), Patrick Pouyanné (former TotalEnergies), Jean-Pierre Clamadieu
Industry	Battery manufacturing
Products	Lithium-ion, Nickel–cadmium, Nickel–metal hydride
Num employees	5,000 (approx.)
Parent	TotalEnergies (acquired 2016)

Saft Groupe is a French industrial battery manufacturer founded in 1918 that specializes in advanced battery systems for transportation, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and renewable energy sectors. The company is known for producing primary and secondary battery technologies including lithium-ion, nickel–cadmium, and nickel–metal hydride chemistries for both civilian and military applications. Saft has operated across Europe, North America, and Asia and has been involved with major projects tied to European Space Agency, Airbus, Thales Group, and national armed forces.

History

Saft began in 1918 with entrepreneurs including Ernest Mercadier and expanded through the 20th century via mergers, acquisitions, and diversification into industrial and military markets. The firm supplied cells for early telecommunications backup systems and collaborated with entities such as Alstom on rail traction batteries and Airbus on aerospace power solutions. During the late 20th century Saft was involved with research consortia including projects funded by the European Commission and partnerships with CNRS laboratories and CEA research centers. In the 2000s Saft acquired several niche firms to bolster its lithium-ion battery capabilities and later became part of the TotalEnergies portfolio following a 2016 acquisition, aligning it with multinational energy and renewable energy initiatives. Commercial ties extended to corporations such as Siemens, Schneider Electric, Hitachi, General Electric, and Thales Group.

Products and Technology

Saft's product range includes cylindrical and prismatic lithium-ion cells, valve-regulated lead-acid alternatives, and legacy nickel–cadmium battery modules used in aerospace and defense. Technology offerings span high-energy, high-power, and long-life chemistries tailored for clients like Airbus, Boeing, Thales Group, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The company develops battery management systems for integration with Siemens and Schneider Electric control platforms and provides modular energy storage systems comparable with offerings from Tesla, Inc. and LG Chem. Saft has also supplied sealed batteries for medical device manufacturers and backup units for AT&T and Deutsche Telekom telecommunication infrastructures.

Markets and Applications

Primary markets include aerospace suppliers, naval programs such as projects with Damen Shipyards Group and Naval Group, rail manufacturers including Alstom and Bombardier Transportation, and grid-scale energy storage projects tied to renewable energy developers like EDF Renewables and Iberdrola. Saft systems serve satellites managed by European Space Agency missions, ground stations for NASA collaborations, and portable power for NATO forces and national ministries of defense such as Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) procurement. Commercial customers include Schneider Electric, Siemens, Enel, and telecom operators like Orange S.A. and Verizon Communications.

Manufacturing and Facilities

Saft operates manufacturing sites across France, the United States, and Asia, with notable plants near Nanterre, in Poitiers, and facilities in Bordeaux region along with U.S. production sites serving North American clients. The company’s supply chain connects to raw material sources and component suppliers such as Umicore for cathode materials and industrial partners like Brembo for systems integration. Logistics and distribution networks interface with global shipping hubs such as Port of Le Havre and Port of Rotterdam, and Saft coordinates with contract manufacturers and testing centers including those certified by Bureau Veritas and Lloyd's Register.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Saft is a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, integrating battery production within the portfolio of a major energy company. Corporate governance involves boards and executive teams with ties to industrial conglomerates including PEUGEOT/Groupe PSA networks, and oversight consistent with French corporate codes monitored by authorities such as Autorité des marchés financiers. The company has engaged with investment banks and institutional investors including BNP Paribas and Société Générale during transactional phases and interacts with supranational institutions like the European Investment Bank for financing certain projects.

Research and Development

R&D at Saft emphasizes collaborations with research institutions such as CNRS, CEA, and university groups at École Polytechnique and Université Paris-Saclay. Joint projects have linked Saft with the European Commission's research frameworks and innovation programs like Horizon 2020, and with industrial partners including Airbus, Thales Group, and Alstom to advance battery energy density, cycle life, and safety. Saft participates in standardization efforts alongside organizations such as International Electrotechnical Commission and works with testing authorities like UL (safety organization) to validate cell performance.

Environmental and Safety Practices

Environmental management follows standards promoted by ISO 14001 and safety protocols aligned with ISO 45001 and IEC battery testing norms. The company addresses recycling and end-of-life stewardship via partnerships with specialist recyclers and materials firms like Umicore and regulatory frameworks such as European Union battery regulation initiatives. Saft has implemented health and safety measures consistent with national agencies like Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail and cooperates with emergency services in industrial zones including Seine-Saint-Denis and Hauts-de-Seine for incident response planning.

Category:Battery manufacturers Category:French companies established in 1918