News

Vernay Nominated for Prestigious 2024 Edison Award 

March 14, 2024

In an exciting announcement that underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence, Vernay is thrilled to share that we have been nominated for the esteemed 2024 Edison Awards. This nomination recognizes our groundbreaking work in developing the Vernay VoltaVent®, a pioneering battery ventilation device designed to enhance safety and efficiency in battery systems. 

The Edison Awards, established in 1987, stand as one of the most revered accolades in the global innovation arena. Named after Thomas Edison, whose inventions transformed the modern world; the awards celebrate and spotlight breakthroughs in new product and service development, marketing, design, and innovation. Being nominated for an Edison Award is not just an honor; it is a testament to an organization’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, embodying the spirit and vision of Edison and his team at Menlo Park. 

Vernay VoltaVent® represents a significant leap forward in battery technology. In an era where energy storage and safety are paramount, our device offers a smart, efficient solution to manage the internal pressure of battery cases. By precisely controlling the flow of fluids in and out of the battery pack at critical moments, such as during thermal runaway when a battery catches fire, VoltaVent® swiftly vents hot gases to prevent explosions and then reseals. This innovative approach enhances the safety of battery-operated devices and extends their operational life and reliability. 

“We are honored to be selected as an Edison Awards Finalist for Vernay’s patented VoltaVent® product innovation,” Bob Ferguson, VP of Global R&D, said. “This achievement highlights global cross-functional collaboration within Vernay, as Commercial, R&D, and Engineering teams worked seamlessly across Europe and the US. Each team made significant contributions, refining critical aspects throughout the development and product launch. With features like the pressure protection zone and thermal runaway performance, Vernay VoltaVent® will not only enhance safety but also optimize performance in mobile battery and energy storage technologies. It’s an exciting time at Vernay.”  

The nomination for the 2024 Edison Best New Product Awards™ places Vernay among a distinguished group of finalists, all selected by a panel of esteemed peers, including top executives, academics, and innovation leaders from around the globe. This recognition is a reflection of our team’s hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of innovation that makes a difference. 

At Vernay, we are inspired by the legacy of Thomas Edison and his ability to bring unprecedented innovations to market. Our nomination for an Edison Award is a milestone that reaffirms our mission to develop products that not only meet the needs of today’s marketplace but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated employees, partners, and customers who have supported us on this journey. As we look forward to the final awards ceremony, we are excited about the opportunity to share our vision and achievements with a global audience and to continue contributing to a safer, more sustainable future. 

To learn more about Vernay’s patented VoltaVent® product, visit www.vernay.com/markets/automotive/.

About Vernay Laboratories, Inc.

Vernay Laboratories has been a technology leader in the design, development, and manufacture of customized flow-control components since its founding in 1946. The company also formulates its own compounds to address each specific application.

Vernay’s products play a vital role in millions of medical devices, automobiles, and consumer products. Today, the privately held firm produces more than 1 billion components per year, drawing from a library of more than 33,000 elastomeric materials and compound formulations. It operates six plants around the world, in the U.S., the Netherlands, Italy and China. For more information, visit www.vernay.com.