Alternative fuel engine company Power Solutions International Inc. (PSI) says it has acquired the electronic fuel-injection system manufacturer Bi-Phase Technologies LLC. This latest announcement follows PSI's recently revealed deal to also buy Michigan-based Powertrain Integration LLC.
Bi-Phase has been a privately held subsidiary of The Schwan Food Co., a national food manufacturer and marketer. Based in Eagan, Minn., Bi-Phase designs and manufactures electronic fuel-injection systems that enable gasoline engines to be fueled by propane autogas. After developing a successful prototype in 1994, Bi-Phase was purchased by Schwan in 1999 so the company could use the technology on its green fleet of home-delivery trucks. Approximately 70% of Schwan's Home Service fleet of 4,500 delivery trucks runs on autogas using Bi-Phase systems.
According to Schwan officials, the company is selling Bi-Phase as part of a strategy to focus on its core food businesses, brands and services.
‘We strongly believe that the propane conversion systems produced by Bi-Phase are the best on the market today,’ says Dimitrios Smyrnios, CEO of The Schwan Food Co. ‘Ultimately, we know that PSI will have the expertise to bring new levels of success for Bi-Phase's alternative fuel systems.’
As a part of the agreement, PSI will continue to provide Schwan's fleet with Bi-Phase systems. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
According to PSI, the Bi-Phase systems have achieved U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board on-highway certification for several popular engines, including the General Motors 6.0-liter and PSI's 8.8-liter.
‘Bi-Phase makes a market-leading propane system that is a key component in our propane engines. With our manufacturing and supply chain knowledge, we see a unique opportunity to integrate Bi-Phase systems into many more products,’ says Gary Winemaster, PSI's chairman and CEO.
‘Notably, Bi-Phase is an approved supplier to GM for light- and medium-duty van and truck applications,” continues Winemaster. “We expect this acquisition to further strengthen our partnership with GM, since we can apply this technology to a wider range of applications.’
PSI currently uses the Bi-Phase fuel-injection system on the recently launched Navistar IC CE Series propane school bus, a new Alkane truck, and the Capacity TJ5000 LP terminal tractor. The company says the recent acquisition of Powertrain Integration LLC provides additional fuel system options, which will further strengthen the company offerings and opportunities.
