A recent white paper (http://dtn.fm/Psz16) from Cisco
(NASDAQ: CSCO) illustrates dramatically how smartphones and other mobile
devices have replaced dogs as man’s (and woman’s) best friend. It estimates
that about 563 million mobile devices and connections were added, globally, in
2015. Worldwide, there are now close to 8 billion devices and connections on
the planet, a number that surpasses the world population (http://dtn.fm/YP6Iu)
of 7.3 billion for the first time. Smartphones, of course, were the most widely
employed mobile device. However, in 2015, 97 million wearable devices were in
use. Mobile devices are, of necessity, wireless and so require dedicated power
supplies that are long lasting, durable and light, characteristics possessed by
lithium-ion batteries. That is why Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc.
(OTCQB: OGES), with its Lithium Ion Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, is in the
flood of the tide to power these off-the-grid devices.
The company now holds some 120 patents, including those
related to the thin-film lithium-ion technology developed by Dr. John B. Bates,
Ph.D., while he was employed at the United States Department of Energy’s Oak
Ridge National Laboratory. The company’s $40 million, 70,000-square-foot
manufacturing facility in Palm Bay, Florida, which commenced operations earlier
this year, has the largest capacity for lithium large and small format
batteries in the country, according to CEO Steve Barber in an interview
(http://dtn.fm/pA8jY) with New to the Street. That means it has the know-how to
manufacture the small form factors required for smartphones and tablets.
Currently, Oakridge has four product lines. Its Pro Series
is already being fitted in golf carts and was a huge success when it was first
introduced at the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) show in Orlando,
Florida, in January 2015. At this year’s PGA show, Oakridge received orders of
more than $250,000 and follow on commitments of some $20,575,000, which mark an
inflection point in the company’s trajectory. In line with its strategy, the
company has transformed itself from a ‘science project’ research outfit to a
viable commercial entity with cutting-edge scientific capabilities.
The Patriot Series batteries are meant for professional,
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other remote control (RC) vehicles. The
line is cost-competitive with foreign lead-acid batteries and, like all
Oakridge products, is made in the USA. These small prismatic cells can also be
used for other consumer products such as power tools, portable communications
and other small, lightweight applications. Oakridge offers power storage units
with its Freedom Series. These batteries can be used by households and
businesses alike to reduce or eliminate reliance on the grid. They can also,
obviously, be used as backup units, for example, in hospitals where
uninterruptible power is of vital necessity. Oakridge’s Liberty Series are
starter batteries and can be deployed in ‘everything that needs to start that
has a battery’ such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, boats, jet skis, and
snowmobiles.
Beneficial ownership of about 90 percent of Oakridge is in
the hands of seven families: two in Australia, one in Japan, two in Switzerland
and two in Germany. Consequently, shareholder and management interests are as
aligned as they could ever be. CEO Steve Barber, who is the Chief Investment
Officer of Oakridge’s major shareholder, the private equity family fund Precept
Fund Management SPC, wears two hats. He is also Executive Chairman and CEO of
Oakridge.
For more information, visit www.oakridgeglobalenergy.com
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MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Sign up for “The Mission Report” at www.MissionIR.com
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
