Trojan Battery Co., LLC, manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, 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.