Sumitomo, a strategic partner and 10% shareholder in Acta, will continue as distributor of Acta catalyst products to the Japanese automotive and industrial sectors. Sumitomo has confirmed that it will remain as a shareholder of Acta, and does not intend to reduce its shareholding from the current level.

The current exclusive distribution agreement for the broader Asian region was terminated by mutual consent on March 2. The new arrangement will allow Acta to sell its hydrogen generators and related product range into the wider Asian market through alternative distribution channels, including direct sales.

This two-channel distribution strategy will assist Acta in coordinating the distribution network for its hydrogen generator product range by sector and application. It can do this while retaining the valuable support of Sumitomo for the distribution of advanced catalysts for large-scale automotive and industrial applications.

The Acta product line includes a range of compact hydrogen generators as well as portable, mobile, and backup fuel cell devices that can use locally generated hydrogen in uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), marine, automotive, electric cycling, scooter, camping, and domestic applications. The broader interests of Acta include a range of environmental catalysts and solar power projects.