Discover makes big push on AGM batteries

Canadian battery manufacturer Discover Battery has boosted its production capacity in Vietnam and aims to increase the penetration of dry cell AGM batteries in the European and worldwide MEWP market.

The company, which also has production plants in China and South Korea, has increased by 50% the capacity of its Dong Nai facility in Vietnam, which now has an annual capacity of 750MWh. Discover can now ship 1 million lead acid batteries each month.

The plant, which opened in 2015, produces the company’s full range of AGM batteries used in aerial work platforms, from 6V to 12V and up to 390Ah.

The investment in Vietnam aims to secure a stable and responsive supply chain for its OEM and rental customers, giving them the option to buy from Vietnam rather than China, “which is the current trend and demand in the geopolitical landscape”, said the company.

The final assembly line at Discover Battery’s newly expanded battery plant in Vietnam. (Image: Discover Battery)

Jimmy Au, vice president product management motive at Discover Battery, said; “Our ambition is clear: to accelerate the MEWPs market’s transition to AGM by delivering performance, reliability, and availability.

“Supply chain stability is a strategic factor for our customers, and our Vietnam plant plays a central role in achieving that.”

Discover acknowledges that the MEWP market has been dominated by flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries, but argues that AGM offers advantages such as zero maintenance, consistent performance and durability under intensive use.

“Our Dry Cell AGM batteries are purpose-built for motive traction applications, developed alongside our OEMs for over a decade,” said Au.

“They meet real-world demands: vibration resistance, steady autonomy, and long-term reliability. Beyond delivering long battery autonomy, our focus is on consistent, sustainable performance throughout the entire lifecycle of the battery.”

Discover said OEM customers for its batteries include JLG, Skyjack, Genie, LGMG, Sinoboom, Noblelift, Sany, XCMG, Zoomlion and AXOLIFT.

The company thinks dry cell AGM will continue to play a vital role over the next 10 to 15 years, driven by factors including “recyclability, circular economy benefits, and evolving green regulations.

“AGM technology is particularly gaining traction in industries where reliability and ease of use are critical—such as access platforms, industrial cleaning machines, and start-stop vehicles.”

As part of its strategy, Discover plans to expand its distribution network in Europe, where it currently covers around 60% of the region geographically. This will include a guarantee of 24 to 48-hour delivery times to both OEMs and rental customers.