MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. (Albany, NY), a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Inc., announced that it has completed formation of the supply chain partner team for its first product launch planned for the end of 2004. MTI Micro's initial direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system has been designed for high-volume manufacturing and is intended for integration into industrial hand-held electronic original equipment manufacturer devices for the portable power market.
A limited quantity of the product will be assembled for design verification, lead customer feedback and regulatory testing. MTI Micro will base its initial product on a patent-pending design consisting of a unique fuel cell array, custom fuel-feed control and user-replaceable methanol fuel cartridges. The proprietary aspects of MTI Micro's technology will provide a differentiated and preferred portable power source. DuPont Fuel Cells anchors a team of carefully selected and qualified supply chain partners that have joined with MTI Micro in pursuit of its initial product launch. Through joint work performed under their Strategic Alliance Agreement, MTI Micro has incorporated DuPont's membrane electrode assembly at the core of its proprietary fuel cell assembly.
MTI Micro also has entered into a manufacturing agreement with Flextronics, a leading electronics manufacturing services company, for launching its initial product. The assembly of MTI Micro's proprietary fuel cells will occur at Flextronics' specialized Product Introduction Center in San Jose, CA. The center combines proven manufacturing processes with an expert product launch team assigned to MTI Micro. Flextronics will help speed MTI Micro's fuel cell product to market while preparing the processes necessary for future volume needs.
