Veteran executive to drive international expansion and build on company momentum in the U.S. residential energy storage market
SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc., manufacturer of the FranklinWH System, today announced the appointment of Ke Bi as global chief executive officer.
Bi will lead worldwide operations and strategic growth, scaling the company's U.S. market position into Europe and other international markets. Since joining the company in 2021, Bi has been instrumental in expanding the company's growth across the United States and Australia, establishing FranklinWH as a recognized leader in whole-home energy management systems.
With more than 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning energy storage, renewable energy, telecommunications and advanced manufacturing, Bi brings deep expertise in building global technology businesses. Before joining FranklinWH, Bi served as chief executive officer of Boden Inc. and held senior leadership roles at Nokia and other technology companies, where he directed large-scale operations and strategic growth initiatives throughout North America.
"Homeowners trust FranklinWH to keep their homes powered, help manage their energy use and provide reliable backup when they need it most. That's how we've grown across the United States and Australia," Bi said. "As we expand into Europe, we'll stay focused on delivering reliable home energy solutions and earning the trust of every homeowner, installer and utility partner we serve."
"Ke Bi has a clear vision for where FranklinWH is headed because he's helped shape that vision from the beginning," said Vincent Ambrose, chief commercial officer of FranklinWH. "He brings together innovation, operational discipline and a genuine commitment to our customers and partners. I'm excited to see him lead FranklinWH as we continue providing energy independence to homeowners around the world."
FranklinWH participates in more than 28 utility-led virtual power plant (VPP) programs across the United States, including partnerships with Duke Energy, National Grid and Austin Energy. The company was selected as the residential energy storage system provider for municipal programs in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and New Orleans, Louisiana following competitive evaluations. The company's aPower battery won the Connecticut Green Bank's Outstanding Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Award in 2024 and 2025. In 2026 FranklinWH introduced an enhanced version of its 15 kWh aPower battery in Australia and New Zealand. FranklinWH manufactures its systems in Santa Clara, California, where it is on pace to quadruple production output in 2026.
About FranklinWH
FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. is the manufacturer of the FranklinWH System, a next-generation whole-home energy management and storage solution. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, FranklinWH's team brings decades of expertise across energy system design, manufacturing, sales, and installation. The company is AVL-listed with multiple financial institutions and is dedicated to empowering homeowners to achieve true energy independence. Learn more at FranklinWH.com
Media Contact: Press@franklinwh.com
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Ke Bi Appointed Global Chief Executive Officer of FranklinWH
SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global DIY smart tool brand XtraMaker launched the M1 Series on Kickstarter at 9:00 AM PDT, August 4.
As the World's First 5-in-1 Smart Desktop DTF Studio, it fully automates all five DTF essential steps, printing, powdering, drying, curing, and purification, the M1 Series integrates the entire workflow into a single, compact unit. Built for Etsy sellers, apparel designers, and small studios, XtraMaker eliminates manual labor and tedious maintenance with professional print quality. With one-touch automation, creators can now deliver premium-quality custom apparel effortlessly.
Exclusive Kickstarter Launch Offers
To reward early backers, XtraMaker is offering limited-time launch perks on Kickstarter:
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- XtraMaker M1: Save 54% on MSRP
- XtraMaker M1: Save 54% on MSRP
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- XtraMaker M1 Pro: Save 50% on MSRP
- XtraMaker M1 Pro: Save 50% on MSRP
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- XtraMaker M1 & M1 Pro Bundle: Save 51% on MSRP
- XtraMaker M1 & M1 Pro Bundle: Save 51% on MSRP
- 1-Year Warranty: All Kickstarter backers receive a 1-year warranty, priority shipping, and 1-on-1 technical support.
The Complete Studio Lineup: Printers & Heat Presses
From precision printing to final heat application, choose the ideal hardware setup engineered for any workspace and application:
- XtraMaker M1 (A4 Print Size) | Compact & Versatile
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- Highlights: Ultra-compact footprint designed for home studios and personal makers.
- Highlights: Ultra-compact footprint designed for home studios and personal makers.
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- Best For: Small transfers, chest logos, hats, canvas bags, and custom t-shirts.
- Best For: Small transfers, chest logos, hats, canvas bags, and custom t-shirts.
- XtraMaker M1 Pro (A3 Print Size) | Maximum Capacity
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- Highlights: Larger print width engineered for growing apparel brands and print shops.
- Highlights: Larger print width engineered for growing apparel brands and print shops.
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- Best For: High-margin large prints, hoodie backs, and jackets.
- Best For: High-margin large prints, hoodie backs, and jackets.
- Heat Press | Semi-Automatic Flatbed
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- Highlights: Hands-free, semi-automatic operation with auto-countdown and popup for consistent heating without constant monitoring.
- Highlights: Hands-free, semi-automatic operation with auto-countdown and popup for consistent heating without constant monitoring.
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- Best For: T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and everyday flat garment orders.
- Best For: T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and everyday flat garment orders.
- Cap Press | Curved Surface Specialist
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- Highlights: Semi-automatic mechanism with dedicated clamping designed specifically for curved surfaces.
- Highlights: Semi-automatic mechanism with dedicated clamping designed specifically for curved surfaces.
- Heat Press Mini | Compact & Handheld
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- Highlights: Lightweight design (0.96 kg) for targeted detail work and hard-to-reach areas.
- Highlights: Lightweight design (0.96 kg) for targeted detail work and hard-to-reach areas.
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- Best For: Sleeves, collars, pockets, and quick touch-ups.
- Best For: Sleeves, collars, pockets, and quick touch-ups.
Core Features: Complex Tech Made Simple
1. 5-in-1 Fully Automated Workflow
- Technology: Integrates printing, powdering, shaking, curing, and air purification into one automated process.
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2. G7-Certified Color & Multi-Resolution Modes
- Technology: G7-certified color system with smooth gradients and crisp details, featuring 3 adjustable resolution modes.
- Value: Premium output, flexible speed. Deliver high-value, color-accurate orders, or switch modes to speed up print runs.
3. All-Fabric & Multi-Material Transfer
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4. Smart Auto-Maintenance System
- Technology: Zero-ink-waste white ink circulation during daily care. During power outages, the built-in UPS battery provides up to 1 month of backup power to keep white ink stirring and channels filled with moisturizing liquid to prevent clogs.
- Value: No clogs, lower costs. Keeps printheads protected even during extended holidays or power loss—saving time and money.
About XtraMaker
Backed by parent company EAI Tech (YDLIDAR) and a decade of hardware expertise from former Huawei engineers, XtraMaker delivers industrial-grade, affordable desktop DTF printing solutions for modern creators and small businesses.
Start Your Business Today
Leave the complexity to tech, keep the simplicity for creativity. With limited Super Early Bird discounts offering up to 54% off, this is the best time to claim super early bird pricing before limited reward tiers sell out.
Order Now on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1914891948/xtramaker-m1-your-5-in-1-smart-dtf-print-to-profit-partner?ref=9xxxry
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
XtraMaker Launches M1 Series on Kickstarter: The World's First 5-in-1 Smart Desktop DTF Studio Built for Creators
XtraMaker Launches M1 Series on Kickstarter: The World's First 5-in-1 Smart Desktop DTF Studio Built for Creators
