Catagen Secures Deal With MAHLE

Belfast based Catagen Ltd has secured a deal with US firm MAHLE worth $1million for its revolutionary large-scale testing equipment for catalytic converters called Maxcat.

Catagen built this potentially transformational piece of equipment following research and development support from Invest Northern Ireland. This deal is the latest in a series of sales secured by Catagen from major automotive companies.

A spin-out from Queen's University, the company used its patented technology, developed over several years, to produce two smaller products for the automotive industry – Labcat and Testcat. The Maxcat is capable of testing four catalyst assemblies at once. It recreates engine exhaust gas composition, flow rates and temperatures to provide safe and clean testing that replicates traditional engine dynamometer-based testing at significantly lower cost.

Invest NI has offered over £374,000 to support the development of the Maxcat, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Catagen co-founder and Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Woods said: "Automotive companies need to conduct extensive testing and verification on new and aged catalysts to verify that emission regulations will be met throughout the typical life of a vehicle.

"The development of Maxcat is a really significant moment for Catagen and the future of catalyst testing. The industry now has a viable, full size, much more environmentally friendly alternative method to age and test catalysts."

The first Maxcat machine has been completed and will soon be installed in the USA at the Michigan facility of MAHLE Powertrain.

(CD/MH)