Achates Power, Inc., the developer of radically improved internal combustion engines, opened its Midwest Operations Center in the metro Detroit area to satisfy the demands of new customer contracts and rapid growth. The new 4,000 square foot customer application engineering facility leased by Achates is located in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
According to the firm, its decision to locate an engineering facility in the Detroit area comes on the heels of Achates securing two new contracts in the first two months of 2015; one with a leading global OEM and the second with the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. Achates is developing the Advanced Combat Engine as part of the Army’s 30-year strategy to modernize tactical and combat vehicles.
“I have toured the world’s automotive hubs and nowhere else offers the opportunity for greater business success in automotive than the Detroit area,” said David Johnson, CEO, Achates Power. “Our new Detroit office gives us access to top industry leaders and decision makers, and the breadth of engineering talent needed for expansion.”
“2014 was a phenomenal year for Achates Power and we’ve been experiencing record demand and interest for our revolutionary technology,” added Johnson. “Based on the data collected from our 3-cylinder engines, which has been presented to the industry, it is well proven that Achates’ engine technology can meet the most stringent emissions standards while delivering significant fuel economy advantages. The industry is taking note of this and recognizes that our technology is the most cost effective way to achieve future CAFE and C02 standards.”
In addition, Achates Power’s engine allows OEMs to achieve the world’s most stringent current and future fuel efficiency and emissions standards, which include, EPA 2010, Euro 6 and Tier 3/LEV 3, among others, without additional cost or complexity, company officials said.
Achates expects to hire 12 new engineers and program managers immediately, and plans to employ a total of 20 employees by the end of 2015 to keep up with the rapid growth in customer demand for the Achates engine.
