PSI Acquires Schwan Subsidiary Bi-Phase Technologies LLC

After developing a successful liquid propane fuel-injection prototype in 1994, Bi-Phase was purchased by Schwan in 1999 so the company could use the technology on its fleet of propane-powered home delivery trucks. About 70% of Schwan’s home service fleet of 4500 trucks runs on propane using Bi-Phase systems. According to Schwan, the company is selling Bi-Phase as part of a strategy to focus on its core food businesses, brands, and services.

“Bi-Phase makes a market-leading propane system that is a key component in our propane engines,” said Gary Winemaster, PSI chairman and CEO. “With our manufacturing and supply chain knowledge, we see a unique opportunity to integrate Bi-Phase systems into many more products. Notably, Bi-Phase is an approved supplier to GM for light- and medium-duty van and truck applications. We expect this application to further strengthen our partnership with GM, since we can apply this technology to a wider range of applications.”

Bi-Phase’s patented, dedicated multi-port systems enable propane to be injected in a liquid state, which eliminates the need for a vaporizer or regulator, improves cold-start performance, and reduces backfires. Bi-Phase systems have achieved Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certification for several popular engines, including the General Motors 6.0-liter and PSI’s 8.8-liter power plants. PSI currently uses the Bi-Phase fuel injection system on its recently launched Navistar IC CE Series propane school bus, a new Alkane truck, and the Capacity TJ5000 LP terminal tractor.

“We strongly believe that the propane conversion systems produced by Bi-Phase are the best on the market today,” said Dimitrios Smyrnios, CEO of Schwan Food Co. “Ultimately, we know that PSI will have the expertise to being new levels of success for Bi-Phase’s alternative fuel systems.” As part of the acquisition agreement, PSI will continue to provide Schwan’s fleet with Bi-Phase systems.