IMPCO Opens World's Largest Gaseous Fuel Technology Center
18 November 1997
IMPCO Opens World's Largest Gaseous Fuel Technology Center
CERRITOS, Calif., Nov. 18 -- IMPCO Technologies
(Nasdaq: IMCO, IMCOW), a leader in the alternative fuels industry, today
announced the opening of the world's largest facility dedicated to the
research and development of systems and products that support the use of clean
burning gaseous fuels in internal combustion engines and fuel cells. The use
of gaseous fuels helps alleviate issues relating to energy, economic, and
environmental pollution problems.
Located on a five-acre tract of land in Irvine, CA, the new IMPCO Advanced
Technology Center boasts the largest assemblage of alternative fuel engineers
and technicians all working together under one facility. The 80,000 square-
foot center in Southern California currently employs over 140 professionals
and has the most sophisticated state-of-the-art research laboratories,
emissions control equipment and alternative fuel vehicle assembly and testing
facilities in the world.
For this latest phase of the company's planned growth, IMPCO's Technology
and Automotive OEM Division chose to locate its facility in Southern
California, a state known worldwide for setting clean air standards.
Furthermore, the location in Irvine provides added benefits by virtue of its
centralized location in one of the fastest growing areas focused on high
technology.
Frank W. Pereira, brand manager, General Motors' Advanced Technology
Vehicles, remarked, "GM is committed to alternative fuel vehicles, evidenced
by the variety of vehicles we currently offer. We are always working to
provide the products our customers want without taking our eyes off the
technology of the future." Commenting on how the work being done at IMPCO's
Advanced Technology Center will help General Motors' position in the industry,
Pereira stated, "GM's ability to meet the current and future needs of the
market will only be enhanced with the opening of IMPCO's new facility. We are
expecting continued success with our strategic partner in alternative fuels."
Engineers at the Center will carry out a complete range of operations
aimed at developing cost-effective and efficient gaseous fueled systems and
components for trucks, urban fleet vehicles such as taxis and delivery trucks,
passenger vehicles, forklifts, stationary engines and other indoor vehicles
and portable engines. Included will be: full vehicle engineering and
validation; power train controls and validation; advanced manufacturing for
engine controls and natural gas fuel storage; and testing procedures to meet
different global emission control standards.
Syed M. Hussain, Vice President of IMPCO's Technology and Automotive OEM
Division, said, "With increasing worldwide focus on the environment and global
warming, we expect customer demand for vehicles operating on clean-burning
gaseous fuels to climb dramatically. Our work at the Center not only puts us
on the cutting edge of gaseous fuel technology, but also positions IMPCO to
take advantage of the rapidly emerging global market potential for gaseous
fuel systems in the coming years."
Robert M. Stemmler, President and Chief Executive Officer of IMPCO, added,
"Our investment in this Advanced Technology Center demonstrates IMPCO's
commitment to stand at the forefront of the global growth and development of
the alternative fuels industry. The work being done will help provide viable
operational and economic solutions to some of the world's most challenging
energy and pollution problems."
IMPCO Technologies, Inc. sells alternative fuel products and services
worldwide. Headquartered in Cerritos, CA, the company has additional
facilities in Irvine, CA; Detroit, MI; Seattle, WA; Mt. Pleasant, IA;
Australia, the Netherlands, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. IMPCO is
a market leader in the Original Equipment Market (OEM) and aftermarket for
gaseous fuel management systems and components that allow internal combustion
engines to operate on clean gaseous fuels such as propane and natural gas.
IMPCO provides conversion systems for motor vehicles, forklifts, other
material handling equipment, and small portable to large stationary engines.
SOURCE IMPCO Technologies
