Leclanché continues to expand leadership team

• Dr. Ulrich Ehmes will be responsible for Leclanché’s lithium ion cell production from 1st of March 2010

• Stefan A. Müller, Chairman of the Board, states: „The rapid expansion of production capacities in Willstätt is our highest priority. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ehmes and we are convinced that Dr. Ehmes’ production expertise and long standing management experience will make a crucial contribution to this mission.“

Yverdon-les-Bains, 1st of March 2010 – The Swiss producer of lithium ion cells is expanding its leadership team further. As of 1st of March 2010, Dr. Ulrich Ehmes (47) will take on the position as Chief Operating Officer with the responsibility for the entire production and supply chain. Dr. Ehmes has extensive experience with demanding manufacturing processes. His tasks will center on the continuous and quality ensuring expansion of the lithium ion cell production in Willstätt. Stefan A. Müller, Chairman of the Board of Leclanché SA, states: „The rapid expansion of production capacities for the future market of lithium ion cells is decisive for Leclanché’s future success. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ehmes and we are convinced that his production expertise and long standing management experience will make a crucial contribution to this mission. Ehmes holds a doctorate’s degree in Engineering. In his latest position, he was responsible for the global production of a division of Groz-Beckert, the world market leader in tools for the textile industry. Previously and for a period of 14 years, Dr. Ehmes held various leading positions within the camera manufacturer Leica, his last position being managing director of the main plant. Dr. Ehmes was born in Hanau, is married and has two kids.

Media Contact: Kilian Rötzer, CNC AG: phone +41 43 344-9673, kilian [dot] roetzer [at] cnc-communications [dot] com

Contact for regional media: Christophe Lamps, Dynamics Group S.A.: phone: +41 22 308 62 22, cla [at] dynamicsgroup [dot] ch

About Leclanché

Leclanché is a leading manufacturer in Europe of large format lithium ion cells. Through a unique, licensed separator technology, the core element of lithium ion cells, Leclanché is capable of manufacturing cells with above-average safety features in an automated production process. The company’s core markets are industries that make the highest demands on energy storage systems, e.g. the aerospace industry, the defense sector and medical technology. Leclanché is consistently developing its business towards future markets for lithium ion cells. They include electric vehicles, large hybrid diesel engines and energy storage systems that enable better utilisation of the power supply system. Leclanché was founded in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains. Through the integration of a spin-off from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2006, the company developed from being a traditional battery manufacturer to becoming a leading developer and manufacturer of lithium ion cells in Europe. Leclanché currently employs 84 staff and recorded CHF 16.33 million revenue in 2009. The company is headquartered in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland) and has factories located in Willstätt und Itzehohe (Germany). Leclanché is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LECN).