Engelhard Corp. on Aug. 27 announced a multi-million-dollar program to expand its manufacturing capacity and research and development capabilities for diesel emission control technologies. "We are undertaking this expansion now to help our customers meet new diesel emission regulations taking effect around the world over the next six to seven years," said Barry W. Perry, chairman and CEO of Engelhard. "We already have commitments from diesel engine OEMs, and we expect to be a leading player in this emerging market." During the past year, the United States and Europe adopted new legislation regulating emissions from most heavy- and medium-duty diesel engines. U.S. regulations require reductions of more than 90 percent of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) between now and 2007. European regulations require NOx reductions of 60 percent and PM reductions of more than 75 percent by 2008. The first phase of regulations in both regions will begin over the next few years. Recently awarded orders for diesel oxidation catalysts, in anticipation of the new regulations, are also a factor in Engelhard's expansion program, according to company officials. Part of the investment will focus on increasing capacity for the production of environmental catalysts at Engelhard's operations in Huntsville, Ala. The first phase of the manufacturing expansion is scheduled to be complete by fall 2002 in order to meet initial demand. Engelhard also will install new research and development facilities at its existing engine labs in Union, N.J., and Hanover, Germany. These new facilities will be used to develop the technolotgies needed to meet the extremely low emission levels called for in later phases of new regulations. Engelhard's technology development programs include advanced catalytic particulate filters for PM reduction and selective catalytic reduction, hydrocarbon injection, lean-NOx catalysts and NOx absorbers for NOx reduction. Engelhard is already a supplier of diesel emission control technologies, including CMX(R) diesel oxidation catalysts and DPX(R) catalytic particulate filters. Both technologies are in use today on thousands of trucks and buses around the world, according to Engelhard. About Engelhard Corporation Engelhard Corp. is a surface and materials science company that develops technologies designed to improve customers' products and processes. A Fortune 500 company, Engelhard is a provider of technologies for environmental, process, appearance and performance applications.