By Lewis Loflin
Published: January 1, 2022
WireTough Cylinders, LLC, based in Bristol, Virginia, has been working to advance energy storage solutions since its incorporation in 2010. The company specializes in manufacturing high-pressure cylinders for compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen storage, using its patented steel wire over-wrap technology. According to their website, WireTough has been producing its first generation of CNG fuel tanks for vehicles since 2010, with thousands of tanks in service. Their website can be visited at www.wiretough.com.
WireTough’s technology focuses on combining lightweight steel liners with high-strength steel wire to create durable and efficient storage solutions. Their efforts have been recognized through various grants, totaling approximately $5 million, which have supported their research and development initiatives. These include a $2.2 million investment from CIT GAP Funds in 2012, a $521,500 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission, a $200,000 investment from the Commonwealth Energy Fund (CEF), a $38,000 contribution from Washington County, Virginia, for equipment, and a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2014 to develop low-cost, high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels.
WireTough has received support from various organizations to help advance its technology and expand its operations in Southwest Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Commission provided a $521,500 grant through the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center for research and development of CNG tanks, helping WireTough establish its pilot project operations. The company has also acknowledged the support from the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Foundation, which has aided its growth in the region.
In 2012, the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) announced a $200,000 investment through its Commonwealth Energy Fund (CEF). CIT President and CEO Pete Jobse noted, "WireTough's innovative fuel-efficient CNG storage tanks demonstrate the economical technology needed to reduce our dependency on natural resources. With our investment, WireTough will become the forefront of transportation manufacturing." Jobse also highlighted the market opportunity for WireTough, citing Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s executive order that outlined the state’s alternative fuel plan, aiming to promote alternative fuel vehicles and support job creation in the Commonwealth.
In 2014, WireTough was awarded a $2 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a low-cost, high-pressure hydrogen storage vessel using its steel wire over-wrap process. This project aimed to create a 30-foot tank capable of storing hydrogen at 12,700 psi, supporting the growth of hydrogen as a vehicle fuel. [Ref web ID: 0]
As of 2022, WireTough Cylinders has set up operations in the Bristol-Washington County Industrial Park, with plans to create 18 new jobs in the region. This development was celebrated by local leaders, with Sen. William Wampler noting, "Eighteen families have an opportunity to stay in Southwest Virginia." The company’s presence is part of a broader effort by the Southwest Virginia Clean Energy Research and Development Center to attract energy technology businesses to the area. [Ref web ID: 2]
WireTough has also received a $21,500 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in April 2020, which helped retain 3 jobs during that period. The company identifies as a female-owned business and is classified as a minority-owned, self-certified small disadvantaged business, as well as a for-profit limited liability company. [Ref web ID: 1]
The company holds over 30 U.S. patents in areas such as aerospace, steel, and tire technologies, reflecting its innovative approach. WireTough aims to continue developing advanced storage solutions, including 10,000 PSI hydrogen tanks, to support the growing demand for alternative fuels.
The Commonwealth Energy Fund (CEF), through the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), has supported WireTough’s efforts to innovate in the energy sector. The CIT GAP Funds program has been instrumental in fostering tech companies in Virginia, though it faced potential funding challenges in 2012. Despite these challenges, CIT continued to support companies like WireTough, helping them contribute to the state’s energy goals. More information about CIT can be found at www.cit.org.
