These significant contracts were secured through two of Saft's distributors, Royalty and Sonic, for projects involving the supply of electricity, gas, water, and thermal meters implemented by local utility companies. Deliveries are scheduled through the end of 2016.

Smart grids are rapidly emerging as a key element in China's utility infrastructure development, driving the growth in demand for smart meters. By the end of 2013, 370 million smart meters had been installed, and this figure is expected to exceed 500 million by 2015 (Source: RnRMarketResearch.com, China Smart Meter Sector Report, 2014-2018).

“The size and rapid growth of the smart meter market in China means these orders are of crucial strategic importance, and their success is further confirmation of our leading position. They also demonstrate the significant progress we have made since our first orders,” said Cecile Joannin, Market Manager for Metering at Saft’s Specialty Battery Group.

To continue meeting the growing demand in this market, Saft will transfer its production to a new, state-of-the-art factory. This production facility is scheduled to open during the first quarter of 2016 and will allow Saft to double its production capacity.

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