May 20, 2015 – – Trojan Battery Co., LLC, the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, today announced expansion of its research and development (R&D) capabilities with the opening of a new R&D center in Sligo, Ireland. Known as Trojan Battery Ireland Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Trojan Battery Co., LLC, the facility is located on the campus of the Institute of Technology, Sligo at its Innovation Centre.
“The addition of Trojan Battery to our list of resident technology companies exemplifies the strategic focus of the IT Sligo – to provide an advanced setting for companies to further their innovative research and product development efforts,” said Niall McEvoy, Head of Innovation for the IT Sligo. “Trojan will have access to some of the world’s most advanced R&D capabilities available.”
Trojan Battery Ireland will focus on R&D of advanced material additives, fundamental electrochemistry and other innovative technologies which will play a role in the continued advancement of Trojan batteries. These developments will enhance Trojan’s battery offerings for its foundational and emerging market segments. In addition, the Advanced Materials Centre will enable Trojan to introduce ground-breaking advancements in deep-cycle battery technology more quickly.
“Establishing the Sligo facility is a key step in expanding Trojan’s R&D activities, and will strengthen our ability to remain on the cutting edge of battery technology research,” said Gordon Beckley, senior vice president of engineering and quality assurance for Trojan Battery. “By having a research facility separate from any of Trojan’s manufacturing plants, allows the Sligo engineering team to remain focused on true research and advanced development, while not being pulled into manufacturing continuous improvement projects. This independence is important as technology innovation plays a larger role in our long term success.”
Trojan has appointed two research scientists to manage various Trojan projects at the new Sligo R&D facility.
• Cormac O’Keeffe, Ph.D., serves as the supervisor of advance materials and manages the overall research and development efforts at the center. He earned his doctorate degree in inorganic chemistry from the National University of Ireland, Galway and is currently studying for a master’s degree in hybrid inorganic/organic material development from the Athlone Institute of Technology.
• Anita Hamilton, Ph.D., serves as Trojan’s lab research chemist. She earned her doctorate degree in electrochemistry from National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
As Trojan continues to rapidly expand its international business, the Sligo facility will be key to providing the technical resources and expertise to customers in the region, expand Trojan’s European original equipment manufacturer (OEM) business, as well as better support our existing European customers.
“Trojan Battery will benefit from the innovative facilities located within the Institute of Technology Sligo enabling the company to conduct research and testing, as well as continue to bring the most innovative deep-cycle battery technologies to the market,” said Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of IT Sligo.
About Institute of Technology Sligo, Innovation Center The Innovation Centre at the Institute of Technology, Sligo provides the gateway for business and industry to access a wealth of expertise in IT Sligo. Creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the center currently houses more than 25 new businesses employing over 80 people. Business sectors include software development, chemical and environmental analysis, biotechnology, health food development, e-learning and Web design. For more information on IT Sligo and the Innovation Center, please visit http://itsligo.ie/research-innovation/innovation.
About Trojan Battery Company
Trojan Battery is the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries and a battery technology pioneer, having built the first deep-cycle golf car battery in 1952. Trojan batteries provide power for a wide variety of applications that require deep-cycle battery performance, including aerial work platform, floor cleaning equipment, golf and utility vehicles, marine/RV, material handling, oil/gas and renewable energy.
Founded in 1925, the company is ISO 9001:2008 certified with U.S.-based operations in California and Georgia. The company also maintains two of the largest and most extensive research and development centers in North America dedicated to engineering new and advanced battery technology. For more information on Trojan Battery, visit www.trojanbattery.com.
