LITTLE ROCK — Delta Group Electronics Inc., based in Albuquerque, N.M., said Friday that the work force at its Fayetteville plant could double to 100 after it was chosen as the “premier manufacturer” of Alternative Hydrogen Solutions’ fuel-saving and emissions-reducing systems.
Alternative Hydrogen Solutions was formed earlier this year as a joint venture between Highline Technical Innovations Inc. of Farmington, just west of Fayetteville; and Alternative Hydrogen Solutions Sales and Marketing LLC of Miami.
Highline Technical Innovations is the creator of a system known as Hy-Impact that is said to increase the ef- ficiency of internal-combustion engines.
Delta Group primarily serves as a manufacturer for the defense, aerospace, telecommunications and capital-equipment industries.
Stan Czeczotka, general manager of Delta Group’s Fayetteville plant, said the facility will be hiring a minimum of 15 workers, but he expects the number to be closer to 50. He’s advertising for workers experienced in soldering and assembly.
His company also contracts with Boeing Co.’s Oklahoma City manufacturing plants.
“We are attracting larger customers,” he said. “I think this is a tremendous opportunity for people here in Arkansas. Manufacturing is coming back. It’s a good shot in the arm for Fayetteville.”
The 36,000-square-foot Fayetteville plant is the newest of Delta Group’s four U.S. facilities.
According to the companies, the Hy-Impact product line uses hydrogen as a catalyst to more effectively burn fuel. Electrolysis is used to separate hydrogen from water, which allows precise amounts of hydrogen gas to enter the engine’s combustion chamber.
The result, the companies say, is a 9 percent to 23 percent increase in fuel economy and sharply lower emissions.
Products marketed under the Hy-Impact line include Hy-RoadT for trucking, Hy-MarineT for maritime applications and HyRailT for locomotives, among others.
Steve Clark, president and chief executive officer of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, said he anticipates that the company’s work force eventually will grow to 125 to 150.
“They are looking to add jobs. That is good news. They’re a big part of our manufacturing community,” he said.
Clark said the company has a strong leadership team that has worked with the university on several projects.
Business, Pages 27 on 07/28/2012