US battery energy storage system (BESS) integrator Powin warned it may need to fully shutdown operations and layoff 250 workers, including its chief executive.
Powin's situation "remains dynamic and fluid," and it could shut down all business operations, including its Tualatin, Oregon,headquarters and Portland, Oregon, facility, according to a mandatory layoff notice sent to Oregon officials on 29 May.
Powin has over 17,000MWh of energy storage systems deployed or under construction worldwide.
Powin anticipates laying off approximately 250 employees — including the chief executive and chief financial officer — on or before 28 July, the notice said. While it is unclear whether the layoffs affect all employees, Powin said in the notice that none of its workers are unionized.
The company has not yet replied to a request for comment.
BESS' primarily uses lithium iron phosphate batteries made in China. Since Chinese producers typically price on an fob basis, US tariffs imposed on Chinese imports could cut profits for integrators such as Powin.