Active Power, Caterpillar Announce Alliance to Distribute UPS Systems

Active Power Inc. (Austin, TX) and Caterpillar Inc. (Peoria, IL) recently announced an alliance to develop and distribute new, higher-power battery-free UPS systems. The two companies signed an agreement in 1999 to develop and market a fully-integrated flywheel UPS system designed and manufactured to Caterpillar specifications and based on Active Power's patented flywheel technology. The agreement was recently expanded to accommodate the new enhanced UPS product line that began shipping in North America in December, 2000, and in Europe in the first quarter of 2001.

“The strategic alliance between Caterpillar and Active Power is a cornerstone for Cat's growth strategy to rapidly lead the worldwide, power quality industry with a complete Caterpillar solution," said Jim Parker, director of Caterpillar Electric Power.