Companies combine complementary strengths in battery technology, software and systems integration to accelerate commercial and industrial energy storage deployment in the United States
GREENVILLE, S.C., Nov. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FENECON, one of Europe’s leading providers of energy storage systems and energy management software, and A123 Systems (A123), a global leader in advanced lithium-ion battery technology, have announced a strategic partnership in the United States to address growing demand for commercial and industrial battery energy storage systems.
The partnership pairs complementary strengths that are ideally suited for the U.S. storage market. FENECON provides systems integration capabilities; the world-class, open-source FENECON Energy Management System (FEMS); access to a U.S.-based distribution and sales network; and project experience from Europe. A123 brings advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology, global manufacturing expertise, and deep cell-to-product and system know-how. Together, FENECON and A123 intend to expand their strategic collaboration in North America, leveraging their expertise to jointly develop and commercialize innovative, flexible, and intelligent energy storage solutions for commercial and industrial applications.
This strategic collaboration reflects FENECON's and A123's shared vision to expand their presence in the North American energy storage market. The companies intend to leverage their capabilities to explore opportunities that support the development and commercialization of energy storage solutions for commercial and industrial applications, which is closely aligned with FENECON’s plans to build and scale energy storage systems from its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Greenville, South Carolina.
While A123 contributes proven battery technology and international industrialization expertise, FENECON maintains its own system architecture for battery energy storage systems, a native software platform, and direct communication with customers. This creates a flexible foundation that can be adapted to different applications, technologies, and regional market requirements over time.
The collaboration is intended to support FENECON's expansion into commercial and industrial energy storage applications in the United States, drawing on A123's battery technology and FENECON's systems integration and energy management capabilities. Target applications include industrial and manufacturing sites, large retail and commercial facilities, and mobility and EV-charging locations. FENECON’s energy storage systems will support multiple applications across the U.S., including peak shaving, solar integration, EV charging, and backup power, all within one intelligent energy solution.
“The United States is a key growth market for FENECON, and our partnership with A123 Systems gives us an important foundation to accelerate market development while building out a localized supply chain,” said Thomas Goesswein, CEO of FENECON Inc. and FENECON International. “For C&I customers in the U.S., this partnership promises the combination of a dependable battery with our FEMS intelligent energy management, system integration, and multiple applications. This is where the strengths of A123 and FENECON are well matched.”
“By bringing together A123’s commercially fielded LFP battery technology and FENECON’s software-driven integration expertise, we are combining key competencies to strengthen the supply of innovative energy storage solutions tailored to the unique requirements of different markets and stakeholder needs. We believe this strategic collaboration brings together compatible strengths that can accelerate innovation, deliver greater value to our customers, and contribute to a more resilient and competitive energy storage industry,” said Dr. Jack Li, General Manager of A123 Systems LLC.
Sometimes, big stories start in small moments. For me, it began over lunch in early summer 2023. I was still working in a great position at Zambelli, when I met up with Franz Feilmeier, founder & CEO of FENECON. We talked about business, life – and then he mentioned his vision of expanding FENECON to the U.S.
I didn’t say much at first. Deep down, I already knew: if I got involved, it would be all-in. A good friend at the table saw it clearly. He looked at Franz and said, “You can stop searching. Thomas has always wanted to do this. And we both know he’s the right guy.”
And so it began. After a few conversations – including some key ones with our families – we decided to take the leap. We’d move to the U.S. for a school year. I would build FENECON Inc. from scratch. The destination? Still open. In classic Franz style, the vision was clear: “Go where you can make money. Build something sustainable.” The path? That was up to me.
The First Leap: Across the Atlantic and Into the Unknown
In December 2023, I officially joined FENECON. I still remember my first day: snowstorms in Bavaria, a key meeting in Iggensbach, and then a flight to the U.S. That Saturday morning, I was picked up in Greenville by Andreas – a local contact who would soon become a close friend. He gave me a tour of the city in his golf cart. My first arrival in South Carolina started with a golf cart and ended at a backyard barbecue with ten adults, ten kids, and lots of Southern charm.
While Greenville wasn’t confirmed from day one, it was always among our top contenders. With support from the Upstate Alliance, local economic developers like John Lummus, and advisors across real estate and legal, it quickly became clear: this was a strategic fit. The presence of familiar faces, including BMW colleagues my wife already knew, only reinforced our choice.
Discovery, Decision, and Early Momentum
The following week was packed with meetings: site visits, discussions about incentives, HR support, and industrial facilities. By the time I returned to Germany for the holidays, the decision was made: Greenville would be our base.
January 2024 was all about building the foundation. With support from our HR team, I began recruiting key team members. In February, I traveled with Ludwig, our CTO and early technical driver of the project, to Intersolar North America in San Diego. We studied the market and came back even more convinced: we would build our future here in South Carolina, at the heart of the emerging Battery Belt.
Milestones That Made It Real
By June, things were accelerating. We finalized the lease on our future headquarters and production facility in one of Greenville’s newest industrial parks – a key milestone.
And on July 1st, 2024, I moved with my family to South Carolina. A year after that first conversation with Franz, and just half a year after our official start, FENECON Inc. USA was no longer an idea. It was real.
What We’re Building: A Vision Bigger Than Ourselves
FENECON Inc. USA isn’t just a branch. It’s a bold extension of what we believe: that energy systems can be smarter, more sustainable, and more circular. That batteries deserve a second chance. And that passionate people – across continents – can come together to make that happen.
Starting something new is never easy. But when you lead with purpose and surround yourself with the right people, you find ways to keep moving forward. From snowstorms in Bavaria to transatlantic flights, golf cart rides, and even Best Buy runs, each step brings the future more clearly into view.
We’re proud to call South Carolina home. And we’re just getting started.