NexTech Signs Resale Agreement w/ Haiku Tech

NexTech Materials Signs Resale Agreement with Haiku Tech

January 7, 2009
Lewis Center, OH -

NexTech Materials, Ltd. recently appointed Haiku Tech of The Netherlands as an authorized reseller for Europe and India. Haiku Tech will distribute NexTech products sold under the branded name Fuel Cell Materials. Additionally, Haiku Tech will offer the full complement of services provided by the newly formed commercial services division of NexTech. This distribution agreement leverages the strengths of both organizations and will allow customers to have access to customized materials provided by NexTech integrated for use with volume production equipment provided from Haiku Tech.

William Dawson, CEO of NexTech, complimented Haiku Tech and touted the partnership by saying “Haiku Tech is widely known as the premier reseller of equipment for tape casting of ceramics. We are very pleased that we will combine efforts for the solid oxide fuel cell market. This perfectly supports our (NexTech’s) advanced material solutions.”

The collaboration will primarily focus on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), a robust technology that efficiently converts a wide range of fuels to electricity. SOFCs are differentiated from other fuel cells in two key ways. First, by operating at high temperature they can accept fuels ranging from natural gas to diesel; low temperature fuel cells require pure hydrogen, which is a challenge to produce and store. Second, SOFC’s use of low cost ceramic membranes, opposed to membranes containing precious metals, improves the prospects for a cost competitive alternative to traditional sources of electricity.

NexTech has been active in fuel cells since the late 1990s and has a wealth of institutional knowledge in formulation and application of materials for cathodes, anodes and interconnects. Haiku Tech complements NexTech’s research and development capabilities with advanced knowledge in the field of ceramics manufacturing equipment. Together the two companies offer clients the ability to rapidly develop and commercialize their products.

About NexTech Materials
NexTech’s vision is to be a global leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative products for energy and environmental markets. NexTech is a leading developer and supplier of materials, components and services for the fuel cell industry and is dedicated to reducing the manufacturing and operating costs of fuel cells and other electrochemical devices. NexTech’s customers are located in over 35 countries and include leading researchers, developers and manufacturers throughout the world. NexTech Materials, Ltd. was founded as a privately held company in 1994 and has grown into one of Ohio’s leading technology companies. NexTech recently expanded its manufacturing and R&D facilities located in Lewis Center Ohio. NexTech has many products in the pipeline including fuel cell stacks for military and residential power applications, sensors for gas detection and control systems, catalysts for energy conversion systems, and membranes for gas separation devices.

About Haiku Tech
Haiku Tech Inc. specializes in innovative materials, equipment and technology to efficiently produce multilayer ceramics and fuel cells. Recent expansion has positioned Haiku Tech as the leading distributor of supplies to the ceramic multi-layer industry. The addition of capabilities in the growing area of multi-layered piezo-actuator and solid oxide fuel cell manufacture, enables Haiku Tech to supply turn-key machinery with world class materials and technology support. With its newly opened offices in Taipei, Haiku Tech now provides all its customers including those in Greater China, with its excellent service and customer support.

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Contact:
NexTech Materials
Mr. Tad Dritz
t.dritz@nextechmaterials.com
(614) 842-6606, extension 110
NexTech Materials, Ltd.
404 Enterprise Drive
Lewis Center, OH 43035

Haiku Tech Europe BV
Mr. Roderik Höppener
rhoppener@haikutech.com
+31 43 457-8054
Haiku Tech Europe BV
Reijmerstokkerd.Str 100a
6274NN Reijmerstok
The Netherlands