Eastern Catalytic News Archive

Eastern Catalytic Expanding R&D Capabilities, Boosts QC Program

- Added capabilities to help Eastern Catalytic speed products to market -

Langhorne, PA... Eastern Catalytic, a world-class manufacturer of catalytic converters and related emission control components, and the fastest growing catalytic converter manufacturer in North America, is making a substantial investment in its R&D and testing programs. In addition to increasing its research and development capabilities with a new product development department and R&D lab, Eastern has also undertaken a new program to earn ISO/TS certifications for its production of Universal, Direct-fit, High Performance, and Diesel catalytic converters.

These enhancements will help the company to sustain its growth and enable it to bring new products to market faster and at lower costs. With its newly expanded facilities, Eastern will be capable of reproducing EPA and CARB emissions testing procedures such as the EPA-Federal Test Procedure (FTP-CVS-75). With the new R&D lab, the company will also be able to validate its quality assurance and quality control processes, verify vendor-supplied products, and test new product and application development.

According to George Schafer, President of Eastern Manufacturing, “The steps we’ve taken to expand our R&D are not only to improve product quality and get to the market faster, but also to meet the demand for new catalytic converter products. Federal and state agencies have been increasingly mandating the use of catalytic converters in new applications outside of the automotive market. We are now looking at converter applications for marine, rail, lawn and garden, aircraft, and heavy and light duty Diesel engines. Our goal is to continue to be able to answer that demand with the right products in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.”

Eastern recently tapped emissions and catalytic technology expert, Rob Marino, to head up its testing and certification operations, and to oversee all QC activities. Marino holds two U.S. patents for catalytic converter technology, and is the inventor of the first Level 2 Diesel catalytic converter verified in the US. George Schafer adds, “Rob’s proven expertise and experience is just what we need to fuel our ambitious R&D efforts and maintain our growth in the converter business.”

The choice for OE and aftermarket
In addition to expanding domestic and international aftermarket sales, Eastern’s success in producing high quality converters at highly competitive prices has earned the company international OEM business as well. Programs are in place with Daewoo, Fiat, and KIA, and Eastern will soon become OE on BMW and Peugeot and other major automakers around the globe.

Eastern’s coverage for cars, light trucks, SUVs, and vans is the best in the industry. The company’s Direct-fit line now includes over 1,100 part numbers with coverage for over 26,000 applications. The Eastern Universal line has over 275 SKUs in configurations to fit over 95% of the registered vehicles in U.S. and Canada. The new Eastern Catalytic Performance line has been expanded to include 150 SKUs.

World-class quality and innovation have helped Eastern earn catalytic converter certifications in over 58 countries around the globe. Continual improvements in converter design, production, and product delivery systems have made Eastern the leading choice in both Universal and Direct-fit catalytic converters.

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For more information, contact: Henry Hippert, Eastern Catalytic, 2151 Cabot Blvd. West, Langhorne, PA 19047-1808 - Email:hhippert@easterncatalytic.com