With SBDC assistance, Ventura company improves operations, marketing, hiring and obtains $32 million in investments to finance growth.
Launched in 2006, Transonic Combustion develops next-generation fuel injection systems designed to improve the efficiency and reduce the emissions of internal combustion engines. The technology, used by the automotive industry, is compatible with both spark-ignited direction injection and compression ignition engines.
Challenges
After years of research and development, Transonic Combustion was ready to grow from a startup into a global competitor. The company’s CEO, Wolfgang Bullmer, wanted to improve the company’s website, operations and processes, as well as attract top-quality employees. His ultimate goal was to attract new investors and position Transonic Combustion as a major player in the worldwide automotive market. Through a business connection, he learned about the Small Business Development Center hosted by the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County, and in 2011 began working with SBDC Business Advisors one-on-one.
Best Advice
SBDC Business Advisors Sylvia Martini, Carlos Conejo, Bruce Stenslie and SBDC Director Ray Bowman helped Bullmer improve Transonic Combustion’s website, streamline and document company processes and operations, restructure the business and recruit the highly skilled employees the company needed to grow.
Client Impact
Thanks to the SBDC’s assistance and advice, Transonic Combustion has successfully raised its profile in the global automotive industry. In 2012, the company was honored as an Energy Innovation Pioneer by HIS Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), a leading advisor to energy companies, consumers, financial institutions, technology providers and governments. The same year, GoingGreen recognized Transonic Combustion as one of the Global 200 Top Private Companies disrupting global industries and creating viable business models for the green technology marketplace.
In 2013, the company received $32 million from investors to ensure that core product production can meet the growing demand for increased fuel efficiency and emission reductions. Transonic Combustion is achieving its goals of commercializing its revolutionary fuel injection technology and related components, becoming a global supplier of fuel injection systems for the automotive industry.
