Graham Corporation unveils plans for advanced cryogenic propellant testing facility

Graham Corporation, a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries, announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art cryogenic propellant testing facility in Florida, near its P3 Technologies, LLC subsidiary. Leveraging Graham’s longstanding expertise in the cryogenic and space launch industries, this new facility will help to meet increasing demand for efficient, scalable testing solutions in key markets, including space, defense, new energy, and potential applications in the medical field.

The facility will offer a cost-effective, timely alternative to existing testing centers, which often prioritize flagship programs and leave other critical programs with limited options. This new facility will enable liquid hydrogen (LH2), liquid oxygen (LOX), and liquid methane (LCH4) testing at pressurized, sub-cooled, or saturated conditions, and is ideally suited for testing pumps, components, fluid management systems, and combustion devices. By expanding Graham’s capabilities in cryogenic propellant testing, the Company aims to better support both current and future customer programs, adding agility and depth to its testing services in response to diverse and evolving program requirements.

“We believe this new testing facility will strengthen our position as a trusted partner by directly addressing customer needs for timely and cost-effective cryogenic propellant testing, complementing our existing capabilities and advancing the support we can offer current programs,” says Dan Thoren, Graham Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer. “This investment underscores our commitment to supporting both current and future customer programs through innovative and accessible testing solutions, while enhancing Graham’s role across the space, defense, and new energy sectors.”

The project will be executed over the next year, with initial tests anticipated to begin by mid- 2025. The facility is projected to achieve a cash payback period of approximately two to three years and deliver an internal rate of return exceeding 20%, representing a strategic investment in Graham’s future.