Walbro completes expansion of fuel-tank production facility

Responding to the continued growth in demand for fuel tanks that meet stringent clean air standards, Walbro is once again increasing the size of its multi-layer fuel-tank production facility in Cass City, Mich., with a 30,000-square-foot warehouse expansion.

“We have now completed the second expansion of this facility since 2012,” said Christopher Quick, Walbro vice president, recreation and marine/fuel systems. “This additional warehouse space opens up more room on the manufacturing floor to accommodate the operations required for manufacturing and assembly of integrated tank systems for gasoline, diesel, and diesel emission fluid applications.

“Our customers are looking to Walbro for complete solutions. This expansion significantly increases our systems production capability, allows us to respond rapidly to increases in customer demand, and positions Walbro to offer system solutions to new markets and customers.”

The continued success of Walbro’s fuel-tank designs is based on the use of multi-layer co-extrusion technology. The non-metallic tank’s six-layer construction includes a vapor barrier that effectively contains hydrocarbon emissions, allowing it to meet stringent evaporative emissions standards. This technology continues to be one of the most cost-effective and durable solutions available, especially considering useful life requirements and the increasing use of ethanol in base fuels.

In fact, the effectiveness, production repeatability and durability of multi-layer tank technology allows U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tank family certification, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) waives extensive, costly tank testing requirements for manufacturers that use Walbro multi-layer fuel tanks in their products.

Walbro offers extensive systems capabilities beyond the tank. Walbro provides an integrated tank system, including a Walbro fuel pump and flange assembly, filtration, rollover valve and internal hoses, resulting in lower assembly and shipping costs. As a full-service supplier, Walbro serves as a single source capable of integrated design, engineering, validation and production of fully assembled and tested systems ready for fast and efficient installation on the factory floor.

“As we expand, we continue to invest in flexible, quick changeover manufacturing systems to efficiently deliver the low to medium production volumes required by our customers,” Quick said. “Our dedication to ensuring flawless launches and top performance in quality and delivery is working. We are proud that Walbro is recognized as a preferred supplier by many of our world-class customers.”

Walbro is a global market leader of engine management systems for the lawn and garden, recreational and marine, and outdoor power equipment markets, and a leading supplier of flow-control products for medical and industrial equipment markets. Walbro manufactures ignition systems, fuel injection, air/fuel management systems, pumps, valves and fuel storage and delivery systems.

Walbro is a global organization with manufacturing and engineering facilities in China, Japan, Mexico, Thailand and the United States, with Walbro Engine Management corporate headquarters in Tucson, Ariz. Additional information regarding Walbro is available at www.walbro.com.