Barry Flannery: Leading Xerotech’s Revolution in Sustainable Battery Technology

Barry Flannery and Xerotech: A Focus on Growth and Innovation

Barry Flannery is the founder and CEO of Xerotech, a company based in Galway, Ireland. He prefers to work outside his desk, often addressing problems wherever they arise in the business. Xerotech specializes in manufacturing heavy-duty lithium-ion battery packs for off-highway vehicles in industries like mining and construction.

Flannery holds a PhD in applied physics and started Xerotech seven years ago. He began with experiments in his parents’ garden shed and has since grown the company to employ over 130 people. He recently became a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

Xerotech is located in Claregalway, occupying 84,000 square feet. The facility has modern manufacturing equipment and research areas where they test battery cells under various conditions. The company’s battery technology features a water-cooling system, making its products among the safest globally.

Despite its accomplishments, Flannery expresses concerns about the Irish start-up ecosystem, particularly for hardware companies. He believes there is a lack of support for indigenous manufacturing businesses in Ireland. Flannery has received some government backing but thinks the system favors software companies.

Funding is crucial for Xerotech. Flannery plans to secure a €20-30 million investment and is currently in talks with US investors. He acknowledges the challenges in capital markets but remains optimistic about finding the right investor.

Flannery highlights the importance of building a strong business in Ireland, aiming to prove that quality manufacturing is achievable in the country. He describes Xerotech as a home-grown company that emphasizes sustainability and high-quality production.

Looking ahead, Flannery sees potential for greater growth and expansion. Eighty percent of Xerotech’s revenue comes from US customers, and he envisions scaling the company’s operations globally.

In his personal life, Flannery enjoys politics, geopolitics, and learning about current events. He engages in hobbies such as mineral collecting and Lego building. He dedicates most of his time to growing Xerotech, which he describes as his first job and a lifelong passion.