Product Description: A hard rubber battery container is a rigid and strong case or box which contains all the contents and components of a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery consists of a container cell plates (positive and negative plates), separators for the cells and sulphuric acid solution and other battery components. The battery container has to be resistant to acid, heat and mechanical vibration.
Market Potential: The demand for rubber battery container and car battery depends upon the number of motor vehicles and their annual increase. Currently, there are an estimated number of 150,000 vehicles in the country; and at a given time the same numbers of lead acid batteries are in use. More than 30 years ago, one car battery factory was established in Addis Ababa. This factory assembles car batteries by importing the various components of the battery including the rubber container. Between 1980 and 1994, average annual import of battery container was around 6800 units; and average growth rate of the import was 14 percent. Demand for battery container in 2006 was estimated to be about 11.000 and projected demand for 2011 will be 76,000.
Source of raw material: The main raw materials include natural rubber, synthetic rubber and reclaimed rubber. Production of natural rubber is being tried in the country. Until there is enough domestic production, the raw materials will be imported.
Process and Technology: Production process involves mixing of the raw materials charge (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber and chemical additives) using a mixing mill. The rubber compound is then filled into the mould and cured in a steam heated hydraulic press for about 20 minutes at 1580c. After curing is completed, the molded containers are taken out of the moulds, and the edges are properly trimmed. The finished product is then packed and stored. Main plant and machinery required include rubber mixing mill, hydraulic presses, boiler, weighing balances, mould fixers, testing equipment.
Estimated Investment: For a plant that will produce 30,000 units of hard rubber battery containers, the estimated investment will be:
§ Building/shade 500m2 at Br 1500/m2 = Birr 570,000
§ Machinery ……………………………..… = Birr 1,100,000
§ Working capital ………………………..… = Birr 500,000
Total = Birr 2,350,000
Benefits: Similar to other projects.
Location: Bahir Dar, Combolcha.