'A significant step in our global growth': Northern Ireland emissions tech firm targets growth through US engineering company alliance
Multi-year deal will see CATAGEN’s Belfast-developed OMEGA Reactor technology installed at Roush’s Michigan facility as the company expands its catalyst testing capabilities in North America
Northern Ireland’s CATAGEN Green Emissions Testing has entered a strategic alliance with US engineering company Roush Industries to bring its catalyst development technology to the US.
The multi-year transatlantic agreement will see CATAGEN’s advanced catalyst development and engine-free aging technology made available to customers across the North American automotive market through Roush’s engineering and testing capabilities.
As part of the agreement, CATAGEN’s internationally patented OMEGA Reactors will be installed at Roush’s facility in Livonia, Michigan.
The technology enables catalyst aging to be carried out quickly and in a controlled environment without the need for an engine. CATAGEN said this can accelerate testing, reduce costs and cut CO₂ emissions compared with conventional engine-based methods.
Roush, which was founded by motorsports entrepreneur Jack Roush, will use the OMEGA technology to expand its emissions development services for automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers across the US.
The partnership comes as the automotive industry faces tightening emissions regulations, including EPA 2027 and California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards, as well as rising energy costs and increased greenhouse gas requirements across passenger, heavy-duty, off-road and marine sectors.
CATAGEN said its OMEGA Reactor can deliver up to 98% lower CO₂ emissions and up to 30% cost savings through automation, reduced downtime and data analysis.
The technology can also be used with next-generation powertrains, including hydrogen internal combustion engines, e-fuels, hybrid systems and fuel cell technologies.
Through the alliance, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers developing products for the US market will have access to catalyst and aftertreatment development capabilities locally, with the aim of accelerating testing and reducing operational and environmental costs.
Dr Kurtis Irwin, CEO of CATAGEN Green Emissions Testing, said the agreement represented an important step in the company’s international growth.
“This Alliance represents a significant step in our global growth and in cementing CATAGEN Green Emissions Testing’s position as a global leader in catalyst aging,” he said.
“North America is a critical market for that journey, and Roush’s engineering expertise, customer relationships and strong position within the automotive sector make them an ideal fit as we establish our capability in the region.
“Together, we can bring faster, more flexible and more cost-effective catalyst development to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, while reducing reliance on conventional fossil-fuel-based testing methods.”
Matt Van Benschoten, vice president of Advanced Engineering at Roush, added: “We are happy to be working with CATAGEN to introduce the OMEGA Reactor to our suite of development and testing services.
“This collaboration expands our capabilities and provides customers with access to advanced catalyst development solutions aligned with the industry’s shift toward cleaner, more efficient technologies.”