A major UK battery manufacturer has reinforced its commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence as it looks to scale its business in an increasingly competitive global market. Alexander Battery Technologies (ABT), based in Peterlee, has achieved ISO 45001 certification, a globally recognised standard for occupational health and safety management. The milestone reflects a broader shift within the manufacturing sector, where stringent safety frameworks are becoming a key differentiator in securing international partnerships and navigating regulatory landscapes.
The certification arrives as ABT builds on more than four decades of expertise in battery pack manufacturing. With over 15 million battery products supplied to industries ranging from medical devices to robotics and electric aviation, the company has demonstrated its ability to scale operations in response to market demands. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it ramped up production by nearly 300%, underscoring the resilience and agility required in the modern supply chain.
Mark Rutherford, Chief Executive Officer at ABT, sees the certification as more than a compliance milestone. “This certification is a key milestone for our business. It not only demonstrates our commitment to a safe, supportive workplace for our team but also positions us to meet the growing demands of our customers. Safety and quality are at the heart of what we do, and this investment strengthens our capability to scale and innovate in line with future opportunities.”
As the energy storage market grows, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to meet high safety standards, not just in product development but also in workplace environments. With lithium-ion battery production posing inherent risks, companies that embed stringent health and safety frameworks can mitigate operational disruptions while strengthening trust with partners. The ISO 45001 certification provides ABT with a structured approach to hazard prevention and employee wellbeing, elements that are becoming integral to long-term business resilience.
The company has reinforced its safety-first approach by investing in advanced training. An intensive IEC 61508 Functional Safety course has equipped its engineers with the technical expertise needed to integrate safety principles across all stages of design and production. This focus on continuous improvement aligns with broader industry movements where robust safety measures are seen as a driver of innovation rather than a regulatory burden.
Looking ahead, ABT has ambitious growth targets. The company is on track to surpass £20 million in revenue by 2026 and is targeting £30 million by 2028. Expansion plans include increasing workforce capacity and pursuing additional international standards, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 27001 for information security. Rutherford believes these steps will further enhance ABT’s reputation as a partner of choice for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
“We’re focused on expanding our workforce, pursuing additional international standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 27001 by 2025 as we continue to enhance our reputation as a partner of choice for global OEMs. Achieving ISO 45001 reinforces our position as a forward-thinking manufacturer and sets a strong example for other businesses both nationally and internationally,” Rutherford added.
With safety and operational excellence taking centre stage, ABT’s trajectory reflects a broader transformation within UK manufacturing. As competition intensifies and regulatory expectations evolve, firms that proactively embed safety and sustainability into their operations will be best positioned to secure long-term success. The company’s latest certification is not just a benchmark for compliance but a strategic move to future-proof its role in the energy transition.
