Omnitek Engineering Corporation announced it has received an initial order for diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion kits designed and EPA-approved for the 12.0L Mack E7 engine from Chesapeake, Va.-based TFC Recycling.

The initial order for conversion kits is part of TFC Recycling's goal to convert its entire fleet of more than 100 vehicles to operate on natural gas. Omnitek appointed TFC Recycling in June 2013 as an authorized installation center for its diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion systems in the region.

"The conversion of its own fleet to operate on natural gas provides a 'working showroom' for potential trucking fleet customers in the region who are interested in transitioning from diesel to natural gas. We look forward to accelerating the delivery of natural gas converted 'drop-in' engines to TFC Recycling through our strategic alliance with Minneapolis-based diesel engine remanufacturer Reviva," said Werner Funk, president and chief executive officer of Omnitek Engineering Corporation.

In February of 2012, TFC Recyling became the largest private owner and operateor of clean-running collection trucks in Virginia when it added an additional five compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to its fleet operations, for a total of six, according to the Virginia Clean Cities Coalition. 

The company expects to obtain U.S. EPA and CARB approval for additional diesel engine models to address increasing interest from trucking fleets that operate with other diesel engine models.

Funk noted that Omnitek's conversion technology offers a projected payback on investment of less than two years - a significant advantage compared with a projected payback-period of five-to-seven years for a new natural gas truck purchase.