Bloom Energy has expanded its supply chain, integrating Vital & FHR North America to bolster the production of its solid oxide fuel cells and hydrogen electrolyzers.
The new partner, a subsidiary of Vital Materials, recently unveiled a new facility in Bowling Green, Ohio, further enhancing Bloom’s manufacturing capabilities.
Local Production for Global Needs
Leveraging flexible American manufacturing, Bloom’s strategic partnership with Vital & FHR allows for a localized supply chain closely aligned with its manufacturing hubs in Delaware and California. This shift aims to enhance Bloom’s capability to meet growing global demands, propelling us towards a net-zero energy future.
A host of local dignitaries and Vital executives attended the new facility’s open house, including Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher, Vital & FHR’s Managing Director of the Americas Michael Xiong, and Bloom Energy’s Senior Vice President Satish Chitoori. Attendees got the chance to tour the Vital/FHR Bowling Green office and production areas post the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Expanding Expertise to New Horizons
Vital & FHR, known for its material production and vacuum coating systems for a variety of industries, will apply its expertise to provide manufacturing services to Bloom. The Bowling Green investment aims to reduce inventory costs, secure critical supply chains, and shorten lead times for key customers like Bloom. The facility also aspires to serve as a next-generation engineering hub for medical imaging devices.
“The grand opening of the Vital/FHR Bowling Green site is a key milestone for Vital Group’s expansion into North America,” said Michael Xiong, underscoring their continued commitment to a robust manufacturing footprint and cutting-edge R&D.
Bloom’s supply chain, as detailed in its regulatory filings, includes quality suppliers supporting diverse industries, such as automotive and semiconductor manufacturing. While the COVID-19 pandemic induced significant supply chain disruptions, Bloom’s strong supplier base ensured operational continuity and customer delivery.
Satish Chitoori, heading Global Procurement and Supply Chain at Bloom Energy, leads efforts to enhance supply chains and mitigate potential disruptions. Expressing satisfaction with the partnership, he remarked, “Adding Vital/FHR will support the growth in demand that we are seeing for the Bloom Energy Server, our fuel cell platform, and prepare us to meet the building interest in the Bloom Electrolyzer.”
Bloom Energy’s latest collaboration symbolizes the ongoing evolution and resilience of supply chains in supporting innovative technologies toward a greener, cleaner future.
