German Battery giant Sonnen announces Nathan Dunn as new managing director for Australia and the Asia Pacific
GERMAN battery-maker Sonnen has announced a new managing director for its operations in Australia and the Asia Pacific, as it moves to kick off production in Elizabeth next month.
GERMAN battery-maker Sonnen has announced a new managing director for its operations in Australia and the Asia Pacific, as it moves to kick off production in Elizabeth next month.
Nathan Dunn will be responsible for delivering Sonnen’s strategy for manufacturing solar storage for rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, at the former Holden factory.
The company hopes to produce 10,000 batteries a year to meet Australian demand, and for export to Asia Pacific.
Mr Dunn said he looked forward to helping the company expand its presence in Australia.
“I believe we will revitalise the pride of Australia’s manufacturing heritage and set a new milestone to position South Australia as a beacon for clean-tech manufacturing globally,” he said.
Mr Dunn was previously the Asia Pacific managing director for Enphase Energy and has also held management roles at GE Lighting, LG Electronics and MYOB.
Sonnen’s chief operating officer Oliver Koch said Mr Dunn’s management experience in clean energy would help the company fast-track the delivery of Australian-made batteries.
“Customers who invest in a SonnenBatterie produce a positive ripple effect on Australia’s economy through their purchase with hundreds of direct and indirect jobs generated for Australia’s manufacturing industry,” Mr Koch said.
“It will also enable Sonnen to accelerate its battery rollout program to create a “virtual power plant” — an important new renewable energy source for Australia,” Mr Koch added.
The company plans to create up to 430 new jobs in South Australia as it ramps up production for the $100 million South Australia Home Battery Scheme.
It has already employed about 30 staff, and hopes to be able to move in to the former Holden plant within the next three weeks.
In 2016, it was ranked among the Top 50 Smartest Companies by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, listed alongside Amazon, Facebook and Tesla.