Triton Systems, of Chelmsford, MA announced that their Composites Division, together with their partner, Specialty Materials, of Lowell, are the recipients of Mass Ventures 2013 START Stage I Funding for their FRA Composites technology. The START grant is given to Massachusetts-based companies with unique product offerings who want to expand their manufacturing base in Massachusetts.

FRA Composites (patent pending) is a new, alternative composite material ideal for use in manufacturing internal combustion engine components. Due to its high temperature strength, light weight and wear resistance, FRA Composites enables increased engine efficiency – further reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

Triton’s FRA Composites  material (developed under Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding), offers a higher performance alternative to traditional steel and aluminum for use in products such as pump and actuator housings, bushings, wear inserts, internal combustion engine parts, high temperature heat exchangers and bearing liners.

The funds enable Triton and SMI to build internal combustion engine prototype parts for evaluation by various engine OEMs. Triton and SMI have formed a partnership in the manufacturing of FRA Composites parts – and are building a high volume production facility in Lowell, MA.

“We’re very thankful to MassVentures for this recognition,” said Ross Haghighat, President and CEO of Triton. “MassVentures recognizes that FRA Composites products can offer a modest performance boost to various end users spanning combustion engines, as well as defense and aerospace applications. With the continued commercialization of this technology, we believe we can create as many as 25 high quality manufacturing jobs in Massachusetts over the next few years.”

Triton and SMI will transition the FRA fabrication from their current pilot facility in Chelmsford to a high volume production when their FRA Composites plant is online in late 2013.