New Tecogen manager to further propane fork truck technology

Tecogen Inc. appointed Alan B. Welch as a project manager for its research and development team to assist in fork truck development work.

In the new position, Welch will lead the company’s initiative to develop its Ultera emissions control technology for propane fork truck applications. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) awarded Tecogen with a $95,000 research grant in July to develop this technology. The research is being conducted in collaboration with two major fork truck industry manufacturers, Tecogen adds.

Welch previously worked for more than 18 years at Westport Innovations, where he was involved in a variety of projects, including a 2.4-liter LP gas/compressed natural gas industrial engine for forklift and oilfield customers. Prior to joining Westport, he held various engineering and management roles in new product development at Stewart and Stevenson Power, Arthur D. Little and GFI Control Systems.

“We are very excited to welcome Welch to the Tecogen team,” says Robert Panora, Tecogen’s president and COO. “His experience with various engine control strategies and background in bringing products from concept through to complete development will be a wonderful asset as we pursue the further development of our emissions control technology for various applications.”

The Ultera-equipped ultra-clean propane fork truck will feature cell-like emissions and a brand that offers an indoor air quality advantage without compromising performance, according to Tecogen.

Tecogen manufactures and installs cogeneration products, including natural gas engine-driven combined heat and power units, air conditioning systems and water heaters.