NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – November 05, 2026 -- 6K Inc. has received a conditional commitment for a loan of up to $250 million from the U.S. Department of War, through its Office of Strategic Capital, to build a domestic cathode materials production facility in Jackson, Tennessee.
Loan targets U.S. dependence on foreign-produced cathode materials
The financing is aimed at metal oxide cathode materials, a critical component of high energy density lithium-ion batteries used in defense, drones, mobility, energy storage and robotics. The company says the U.S. remains heavily dependent on foreign-produced cathode materials. That dependence exposes domestic manufacturers to trade restrictions, geopolitical disruption and foreign control of strategic materials.
UniMelt plasma process skips traditional precursors
6K plans to use its UniMelt microwave plasma technology, which it says is commercially proven by its 6K Additive unit in producing metal powders for the defense industrial base. The process synthesizes metal oxide cathode without traditional precursors (pCAM). It enables a closed-loop facility that converts metal or other alternative feedstocks into cathode with minimal waste. It also removes dependence on raw materials sourced from Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOCs).
Jackson facility to support more than 200 jobs
CEO Saurabh Ullal said the commitment will be "instrumental" in enabling secure, domestically manufactured cathode production. He said the Jackson facility will add critical U.S. manufacturing capacity and support more than 200 jobs.
Funding remains contingent on government approvals and due diligence
The commitment is not final. Closing depends on authorizations from relevant governmental authorities, the availability of appropriations and due diligence completed to the Department of War's satisfaction. 6K must also meet a set of financial, legal, technical and regulatory conditions set by the department. No funds will be disbursed until those conditions are satisfied.