In the mid to late 1990's, two Japanese scientists were working on a futuristic idea. Their idea was to invent a better fuel cell by using nanotechnology. More specifically, the scientists thought to utilize a carbon nanotube-based electrode as a key component to improve the catalyst layer of a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

During that time, those scientists had conversations with Ken Inouye. Ken, who recognized the potential, got together with partner, George Suzuki and created a business plan. They would obtain rights to the invention and start a company with the goal of producing a better fuel cell MEA. Shortly thereafter, they took control of a shell company and in August 2001, Pacific Fuel Cell Corporation  was born.

Initially, the company thought to develop MEAs for transportation fuel cells. However, the founders soon realized that the market was years away and required large amounts of capital to succeed. In a strategic move, the company changed its business plan to go after the immediate market of micro fuel cell MEAs used in portable electronic devices.

The company needed to find a bright scientific mind who could take this great idea to the next level. They found their answer in Dr. Yushan Yan of the University of California, Riverside. In the late summer of 2002, Pacific Fuel Cell signed an agreement, which would allow Dr. Yan to lead the company's research efforts to develop a lab prototype.

During the month of November 2003, the company announced they had successfully built a MEA lab prototype using nanotechnology. The following spring of 2004, Pacific Fuel Cell received an U.S. patent for the original invention. During the first half of 2005, the company continued to advance its research, file patents, and acquire intellectual property rights for their innovative work. In April 2005, the company filed a patent for its carbon nanotube MEA (nanoMEA).

On September 22, 2005, Pacific Fuel Cell proudly announced the completion of its commercial nanoMEA prototype. The company's proprietary nanostructured membrane electrode assembly (nanoMEA) was viewed as a technology breakthrough as the product uses 75 percent less platinum while exceeding the performance of current state-of-the-art MEAs for methanol fuel cells.

During the fall of 2005, Pacific Fuel Cell began looking at partners for production of its nanoMEA product. On November 1st, 2005, PFC announced it had entered into an agreement with Bourns, Inc. to manufacture its commercial nanoMEA.

In first half of 2006, the company focused on improving the production capability of its nanoMEA , developing volume-manufacturing capabilities, building customer and supplier relationships, and marketing its nanoMEA to potential customers.

In the second half of 2006, the company strategically searched for additional opportunities to further become part of the supply chain of the fuel cell industry. Soon thereafter, the company    purchased equipment and secured material licensing from SGL Carbon to manufacture bipolar plates. The company recognizes bipolar plate customers and nanoMEA customers are the same. This combination creates good business synergy.

In February, 2007 the company opened up the 24,000 sq. feet factory in Willoughby, Ohio. The facility is located approximately 20 miles east of Cleveland. To jumpstart the manufacturing operations in a very short time, the company hired experienced sales and manufacturing personnel. In three months, the company filled the first shift production. The company is adding more equipment, planning a second shift of operation, and evaluating the feasibility of weekend work. PFCE is emerging as a new type of high technology component manufacturing company in the fuel cell industry.

Overnight, the company has become an important part of supply chain for the fuel cell market. As worldwide alternative energy initiatives move forward, fuel cells will be in demand, and the company is poised to rise and become the Intel of the fuel cell industry.