Champion Laboratories, Inc. Launches the Next Generation of Oil Filters

ALBION, Ill.--Nov. 3, 2004--Champion Laboratories, Inc., a leading supplier of automotive and heavy-duty filters for original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket, is introducing the next generation of oil filtration for automotive applications.

"Our new Ecore advanced technology design is the culmination of outstanding efforts by all our employees, but particularly the innovative thinking brought to bear by our engineering group. It took over 13,000 hours of R&D and design time plus a major multi-million dollar capital investment for a state of the art production facility to bring Ecore to life," said John Evans, president of Champion Laboratories.

The new design features a revolutionary construction, enabling oil filters to function better while being lighter and more easily recycled. Ecore's unique element design yields more filtering area in a smaller canister.

"Our Ecore advanced technology delivers more efficient filtration in a lighter, more compact configuration. These are features that line up extremely well with OEM long-term efforts to reduce weight and bulk from their products," said John Gaither, vice president of Engineering at Champion.

The Ecore design also uses high-tech thermal bonding techniques to create better seals for its non-metallic end caps. This process doesn't compromise media functionality like the adhesives used on conventional metal end capped filters which can lose up to 15 percent of their effectiveness.

Ecore's advanced core design has up to 10 times more flow through area than traditional metal cores, resulting in reduced flow restriction across the filter element.

"There are many unique features to our Ecore design like the new, more efficient embossed filter media we're using rather than conventional pre-formed corrugations. And, the patent pending combination relief and anti-drainback valve, which, along with Ecore's double flow path design, provide for better oil flow in the event of a clogged filter or in cold start conditions. Conventional designs only have one flow through path," Gaither said.

Tests indicate that Ecore's new roll seam design delivers up to 49 percent higher burst strength and its new nylon core increases collapse strength more than 50 percent.

Ecore's high strength nylon core virtually eliminates core contamination, a problem present with conventional metal cores. Minute metal particles such as burrs and fragments from the machining process are harmful to vital engine parts, particularly on the filter's clean side.

"We are extremely pleased about the enthusiastic reception OEM and aftermarket customers are giving our new Ecore design. We are incorporating this new technology into our own proprietary brands as well as into the quality products we manufacture for our private label and licensed brand customers," Evans said.

Champion's parent, United Components, Inc. (UCI), operates five other companies, which supply quality products ranging from filtration and fuel & cooling systems to engine, driveline and lighting systems to the OE and Aftermarket for the automotive, trucking, marine, mining, construction, agricultural and industrial industries: Airtex Products, Fairfield, IL; NEAPCO, Pottstown, PA; Pioneer, Meridian, MS; Wells Manufacturing, Fond du Lac, WI; and Flexible Lamp, Harlow, UK.

Champion Laboratories, located in Albion IL. is one of the largest manufacturers of automotive and heavy-duty oil, air, gasoline and diesel fuel filters, with facilities in both North America and Europe. Champion supplies filters to major OE manufacturers, such as auto makers, and the automotive Aftermarket in the U.S. and abroad, as well as heavy equipment users and industry.