BURNABY, BRITISH CO-LUMBIA--Fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems Inc. has signed a 5-year agreement to obtain porosity sealants from Hernon Manufacturing Inc. (Orlando, FL).

Porosity sealants are hard resins that seal microscopic leak paths in castings, graphite, ceramics and other porous substrates. Ballard wants the sealants to ensure that certain fuel cell parts are leakproof.

Ballard is working with Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler to develop low-cost, high-volume manufacturing processes for automotive fuel cells. The company's agreement with Hernon could eventually be worth up to $22 million.

For more information, call Hernon at 800-527-0004.