Hong Kong Highpower Technology, Inc., a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries and related products, has announced that it has formed a strategic R&D partnership with Freudenberg Nonwovens, the largest and most diverse manufacturer of nonwovens in the world today. Freudenberg will utilize Hong Kong Highpower's R&D Center research facilities in China to test their various separators. The Company was the first to introduce nonwovens to the market over 70 years ago and is now the largest and most diverse manufacturer of nonwovens in the world today. Freudenberg says its nonwoven battery separator has been ranked as number one in the battery separator industry. S eparators are considered an integral material for Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. "We are very pleased with this relationship as it will provide Hong Kong Highpower with access to the highest level of product innovation and allow us to continue being at the forefront of Ni-MH battery development," said George Pan, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Highpower Technology, Inc. Hong Kong Highpower Technology develops, manufactures and markets rechargeable nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and related products for use in a variety of electronic devices. The majority of Hong Kong Highpower Technology's products are distributed worldwide to markets in the United States, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Freudenberg Nonwovens is the world's leading nonwovens manufacturer with 23 production sites in 13 countries. The company develops and produces interlinings for apparel, filters, nonwovens for automotive, building and construction, shoes, textile and upholstery, hygiene and medical as well as many other industrial applications. Freudenberg Nonwovens is part of the Freudenberg Group, a family company which generates sales of 5.5 billion euros and employs over 34,500 associates in its four business areas of Nonwovens, Seals and Vibration Control Technology, Household Products and Chemical Specialties.