Pajarito Powder Completes New Facility, Enabling Increased Production of Catalysts for Electrolyzers and Fuel Cells
December 21, 2023
Dec. 21, 2023 — Albuquerque, N.M. — Pajarito Powder, a leading supplier of catalysts for the hydrogen economy, announced that it has completed its new production facility and headquarters in Albuquerque, N.M.
The new 28,000 square-foot chemical production complex will enable the company to make 200 times as much catalyst material for hydrogen-powered fuel cells. It will also allow a 100-fold increase in production of catalysts used for green hydrogen. This leap in production capacity will ensure Pajarito Powder can keep up with demand as the U.S. hydrogen economy takes off.
“This is a major milestone for our growing company,” said Pajarito Powder CEO Thomas J. Stephenson. “The U.S. hydrogen industry has been operating in overdrive, and it’s going to expand even more rapidly in the coming years. Pajarito Powder will be right there with it.”
The expansion in Albuquerque underscores Pajarito Powder’s ongoing commitment to New Mexico. The company has previously worked with the state Economic Development Department through the Job Training Incentive Program to recruit talented scientists and engineers. State support announced in December will enable Pajarito Powder to increase head count by 25 percent in 2024.
Pajarito Powder’s business momentum in 2023 has been underscored by major investments and prominent hires. Pajarito Powder has the backing of Hyundai Motor Company and support from Bekaert Corporation, a world leader in metal fibers and coating technologies. Earlier in 2023 Chief Operating Officer Michele Ostraat joined the company after being chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy and Technology Laboratory.
The new Pajarito Powder plant at 5555 McLeod Road, NE in Albuquerque is 2 miles east of the company’s former headquarters, 6.5 miles northeast of the downtown business district. It has four times as much space for offices and laboratories as Pajarito Powder’s former home.
About Pajarito Powder
Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, US, Pajarito Powder, LLC is a world leader in the development and commercialization of advanced electrocatalysts for electrolyzers and fuel cells. Pajarito Powder manufactures a range of catalyst products using its own intellectual property as well as intellectual property licensed from the University of New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique in Québec, Canada. Pajarito Powder’s materials more effectively utilize the precious metal component of catalysts, resulting in higher performance, better stability, and improved durability. Pajarito Powder is a venture-backed startup funded by Hyundai Motor Company, Bekaert, Verge Fund, Omphalos Venture Partners, and other private investors.
Media Contact:
Jeff Plungis
Senior Advisor, Scott Fosgard Communications
202-744-9768
Pajarito Powder benefits from resources provided by the State of New Mexico Economic Development Department: JTIP, STEP and other programs through the Office of Science and Technology.