An industry with a big plus
The reasons for becoming active in the battery cell industry are manifold. First and foremost is the holistic fight against global climate change. The industry plays a key role in the development of clean energy systems and electromobility, making it a major player in the transportation and propulsion revolution – whether on the road, in the air or on water. The technology for these systems is not only in high demand, but is also evolving rapidly, offering multiple opportunities for personal and professional growth in an international context.
Specific skills are required, from materials science and electrochemistry, to handling state-of-the-art production equipment, as well as research at the interface with novel technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). With high demand, novel customer needs, and the exponential growth of the industry, it is critical to think about tomorrow today. “The electrification of mobility is central to the energy transition,” says Dr. Dirk Abendroth, CEO of CustomCells Group. “For this, we need high-performance lithium-ion batteries. And we can only meet this demand if we produce battery cells quickly, economically, and in high quality. Only specialists trained on the latest equipment can do that.”
Energy cooperation with QuW-LiB
For example, CustomCells is involved as a founding member in the northern German qualification initiative QuW-LiB, which aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in the field of lithium-ion batteries, quickly and sustainably. The ambitious project, which is unique in Germany, focuses on the development of training programs and infrastructures in cooperation with partners from the research, education and manufacturing industries.
Starting in 2026, the QuW-LiB program is expected to train 600 to 900 skilled workers per year at various levels of the German Qualifications Framework (DQR) – from offerings at the level of industrial-technical training to professional expertise at an academic level.
“This project is a milestone for securing skilled workers in Germany as a battery location, and an important step toward a sustainable future,” says Abendroth.
Together with the stream of innovation
CustomCells itself is clearly on a path to international growth. At the end of 2022, a Series A financing round of 60 million euros was successfully completed. On its way to becoming a global premium brand, the company has been strengthened this year by the acquisition of several top managers from renowned companies such as Continental, Rimac, BMW, Magna and Kion. Most recently, Dr. Reinhard Ploss, an experienced DAX executive and renowned supervisory board member, joined CustomCells’ advisory board.
“If you are looking for a job that has a real impact on the global energy transition, CustomCells is the place to be. The green future belongs to the battery cell industry,” says Claudia Belz-Fugmann, Vice President Human Resources and Labor Director at CustomCells. “Working in the battery cell industry means being a key change agent in the fight against climate change.” Belz-Fugmann joined the German battery pioneer in the summer of 2023. The lawyer most recently served as human resources director at Ecobat Resources GmbH, one of the largest US battery recycling companies for both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Prior to that, she held various positions as manager and authorized signatory at Magna International, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers.
Current job openings (f/m/d) of CustomCells for the locations in Tübingen and Itzehoe can be found here.
