Custom Power & Volklec - UK Defence Collaboration

Solid State

08/09/2025 07:00

RNS Number : 3026Y

Solid State PLC

08 September 2025

 

Reach - Non-Regulatory Announcement

 

8 September 2025

 

Solid State plc

("Solid State", the "Group" or the "Company")

CUSTOM POWER AND VOLKLEC UNITE TO ELECTRIFY UK DEFENCE

WITH END-TO-END BATTERY SOLUTIONS

 

Solid State plc (AIM: SOLI), the specialist value added component supplier and design-in manufacturer of computing, power, and communications products, announces that Custom Power, its customised battery and power systems division, has joined forces with Volklec, the UK's only independent battery manufacturer, to deliver a sovereign, end-to-end energy solution for the UK defence sector.

This strategic partnership creates a fully integrated capability, from cell development through to battery pack design, manufacture, delivery and support, tailored to meet the rigorous demands of defence Prime providers. At its core, Custom Power's bespoke battery management systems and integration solutions are paired with Volklec's proven 21700 lithium-ion cell technology to ensure consistent, high-performance energy delivery in the most challenging operational environments.

Highlights of the collaboration include:

●     Strategic UK Capability: The partnership creates a sovereign solution for defence providers - from cell development through to battery pack design, manufacture and through life support.

●     Proven Technology Meets Custom Innovation: Combines Volklec's field-tested 21700 lithium-ion cells with Custom Power's customised battery management systems and experience in developing rugged enclosures to meet the most demanding defence applications.

●     Built for Mission Success: Designed to deliver consistent performance in the toughest conditions, mission after mission.

●     Collaboration Through MAKE UK Defence: This high-impact alliance was facilitated via MAKE UK Defence, strengthening sector connectivity and capability.

●     Supporting Sovereign Supply Chains: Reinforces UK industrial resilience by advancing domestic energy tech and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Aligning to a key aspect of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.

Volklec's energy cells offer a compelling combination of performance, reliability, and strategic value for defence applications. With balanced energy and power density, the cylindrical 21700 format delivers mechanical robustness and proven thermal management which is ideal for demanding operational environments.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, they reinforce sovereign supply chain resilience and align with the Ministry of Defence's priorities for domestic capability. Custom Power and Volklec's commitment to increasing local content also supports the UK Government's real, evolving, and multi-faceted movement within UK defence policy for Net Zero. Engineered for reliability, the energy cells operate across a wide temperature range, while their low internal resistance improves thermal control and reduces cooling costs, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the mission.

The collaboration between Custom Power and Volklec was facilitated through MAKE UK Defence, a national initiative that strengthens connectivity and capability across the UK's defence supply chain. By advancing domestic energy technology and reducing reliance on international suppliers, the partnership reinforces the UK's industrial resilience and supports the development of sovereign supply chains.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dave Crossman, Global VP and General Manager at Custom Power, said:

"Combining Volklec's proven cell technology with our custom-designed battery systems allows us to meet the exacting standards of defence clients.  This partnership is a powerful example of UK innovation delivering strategic advantage."

 

Phil Popham, Executive Director at Volklec, added:

"Built for mission success, this alliance is about more than technology - it's about trust, resilience, and readiness.

 

"Our cells are engineered for flexibility and can be configured into diverse pack formats, supporting a wide range of platforms from portable handheld communications devices to autonomous vehicles and robotics. Together with Custom Power, we're enabling defence organisations to operate with confidence, mission after mission."

 

 

Investor Site Visits to Head Office in Redditch

Solid State holds site visits to its head office in Redditch where operations from both the Systems and Components divisions can be seen.  Interested investors should contact solidstate@walbrookpr.com.

 

For further information please contact:

 

Solid State plc
Gary Marsh - Chief Executive
Peter James - Group Finance Director
Via Walbrook
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited
(Nominated Adviser & Broker)
Adrian Hadden / Callum Davidson (Corporate Finance)
Jasper Berry / Tim Redfern (Sales / ECM)
020 7220 0500
Walbrook PR (Financial PR)
Tom Cooper / Nick Rome / Joe Walker
020 7933 8780
0797 122 1972
solidstate@walbrookpr.com

 

Analyst Research Reports: For further analyst information and research see the Solid State plc website: https://solidstateplc.com/research/

 

Notes to Editors:

Solid State plc (AIM: SOLI) is a leading value-added electronics group supplying industrial and defence markets with durable components, assemblies and manufactured systems for use in critical applications, with a particular emphasis on harsh operational environments. Solid State's products are found around the world, from the ocean floor and into space, ensuring the smooth operation of systems that augment our everyday lives.

The Company has a core focus on industrial and ruggedised computing, battery power solutions, antennas, secure radio systems, imaging technologies, and electronic components & displays.

Operating through two divisions (Systems and Components) the Group thrives on complex engineering challenges, often requiring design-in support and component sourcing. Serving a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on defence, energy production, aerospace, environmental, oceanographic, industrial, robotics, medical, life sciences, and transportation, the Solid State trading brands have become synonymous with quality and reliability. The Group operates under the brands of Steatite, Solsta, Custom Power, Pacer, Active Silicon, Gateway, Durakool and Q-Par.

Solid State plc is headquartered in Redditch, UK, and employs over 400 people around the world. The business has seven production facilities in the UK and two in the USA. In total, including all office locations, the Group operates from 14 national and international sites.

Solid State was established in 1971 and admitted to AIM in June 1996.  The Group has grown organically and by acquisition - having made five acquisitions in the last five years.  

Take a look at the videos below for more insight into the Solid State Group.

Introduction to Solid State - https://youtu.be/1M_Q_B1mYic

Why invest in Solid State? - https://youtu.be/ShmTz6005ws

About Custom Power:

Custom Power is a specialist manufacturer of custom-built lithium battery packs, COTS battery modules, portable power and energy storage systems. With state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and USA, and using a wide range of chemistry technologies, it provides highly reliable solutions for use in demanding environments within critical industries such as medical, aerospace, defence, and robotics.

About Volklec:

Volklec is a new battery manufacturing business based in the UK. It is a disruptor in battery manufacturing, established to supply the high value manufacturing sector, in particular specialist applications within defence, automotive, aerospace, marine and med-tech.

Volklec has a unique and fast to market approach with a low-risk design and delivery strategy. It is working with a long-established Chinese partner to bring proven technology to the UK and enable technology and manufacturing knowledge transfer to mobilise battery manufacturing in the UK.

 

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