Winnebago Industries, Inc. has a definitive agreement to buy Lithionics Battery, a lithium-ion battery solutions provider to recreational equipment and specialty vehicle markets.
Winnebago said Lithionics’ addition will provide the RV manufacturer with enhanced technological and engineering capabilities to offer consumers more differentiated products with innovative electrical solutions, as well as bring strategic sourcing benefits and secure a critical supply chain area
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“The addition of Lithionics enhances Winnebago Industries’ ability to develop unique and diverse battery solutions across our portfolio,” Winnebago Industries President and CEO Mike Happe said, “advancing our overall electrical ecosystem, driving organic growth and supply chain security, reinforcing our technological competitive advantage and allowing us to capitalize on consumer preferences for fully immersive, off-the-grid outdoor experiences.”
Lithionics is led by founder and CEO Steve Tartaglia and is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida.
The transaction is expected to close in Winnebago’s fiscal third quarter. Tartaglia and Lithionics’ current management team will lead the business as a wholly owned subsidiary. Lithionics will continue to be based in Clearwater.
Founded in 2010, Lithionics batteries deliver house power to support internal electrical features and appliances for outdoor products including RVs, boats, specialty and other low-speed vehicles, as well as other industrial applications.
Lithionics’ innovation in house power solutions will continue to advance important outdoor recreation product features for consumers, including extending time off-the-grid, improving reliability, reducing noise and generating fewer emissions.
The company’s battery technology is differentiated by its proprietary management software and UL certificatio
ns. Lithionics serves a critical role in Winnebago Industries’ RV brand supply chains, providing trusted battery solutions to Winnebago and Newmar.
“Lithionics’ talented employees bring a unique familiarity with our business and the broader outdoor recreation space, as well as share a commitment to quality and safety that fits seamlessly with our culture of excellence,” Happe said. “We see significant opportunity to expand the use of their efficient energy solutions within our own portfolio, to continue to grow relationships with other existing customers and to explore new market applications. Through these applications, we expect Lithionics will enhance Winnebago Industries’ margin profile over the near- and long-term and create value for our shareholders, employees and consumers. We look forward to working with Steve and his team to integrate their unique platform of electrical capabilities.”
Lithionics batteries have been used in Winnebago’s off-grid second alternator power solutions found in Type B and Type C motorhomes. Lithionics also has worked closely with Winnebago in developing the eRV2 all-electric motorhome.
“By combining Lithionics’ differentiated battery systems and Winnebago Industries’ strong brands and innovation expertise,” Tartaglia said, “we will create a range of technologically superior products that will change the way people experience the outdoors – allowing them to bring the comfort of electricity with them wherever they travel. The entire team at Lithionics looks forward to joining forces with Winnebago Industries to turn this vision into reality.”
