E&K Launches and Scales in the Automotive Battery Cable Market

Identifying the Opportunity

E&K, LLC was founded in 2017 as a battery cable joint venture between EDS and a $3 billion Korean electrical systems manufacturer. The company launched as a Minority Business Enterprise out of EDS Plant 2 in Nogales, Mexico. EDS had identified opportunities in battery cables but needed a strategic partner to make it happen. We helped create that opportunity.

Building the Foundation

We identified the right partner, helped broker the joint venture, and helped establish the business. Once formed, we were retained to manage sales and business development, along with local engineering and technical support at a major Detroit-based plant.

• Sales management
• Business development
• Engineering support
• Technical support
• Customer-facing strategy

We then targeted a Detroit-based automaker and helped secure three major battery cable programs, generating the initial momentum needed to launch the business.

Navigating Challenges

Launching a new business during COVID, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions created immediate challenges. We helped E&K navigate those early obstacles, maintain customer relationships, and keep the business moving forward.

Supporting Long-Term Growth

In 2025, we encouraged EDS to buy out the joint venture partner’s shares so the business could pursue multiple vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers. We also helped retain E&K’s VP to maintain continuity and support the next phase of growth. E&K needed a strategic partner—and got one.

The Result

Today, E&K is a being absorbed into EDS, while also in the process of quoting several transportation companies in the battery cable space. What started as a strategic joint venture has become a fast-growing player in the automotive battery cable market.