BTU chosen by Rolls Royce as primary contractor

BTU International, Inc. has announced that it served as Rolls Royce's primary contractor for the building of the world's first automated solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) production line.

BTU celebrates with Roll-Royce at today's grand opening of its new fuel cell production facility in Loughborough England. This Rolls Royce turnkey pilot production line for solid oxide fuel cell manufacture incorporates a variety of BTU products, including multiple BTU convection drying systems and BTU's latest Elevator Hearth System for high temperature sintering. The BTU-provided equipment also included multiple screen-printing systems, a laser marking system and automated handling equipment to fully automate the process.

"We believe this is the world's first fully automated production line for solid oxide fuel cells, and we are excited to have played a major role in this advanced manufacturing program," said Paul J. van der Wansem, BTU's chairman and chief executive officer. "Rolls Royce has demonstrated a clear focus and commitment to advancing the technology and manufacturability of solid oxide fuel cells, which positions them as one of the leaders in the fuel cell industry."

"We recognize the long-term potential of SOFC technology," said Van der Wansem, "and BTU will continue to focus on the energy sector as a growing part of our business based upon our demonstrated technology as a supplier of integrated process solutions for the fuel cell industry."