Fuel Injection Expert and Innovator
Stanadyne continues to assemble top talent charged with developing internal combustion engine (ICE) solutions offering customers greater efficiency and lower emissions without sacrificing powertrain performance. One of these talented individuals is Mr. Michael Hornby. Michael joined the company in late 2020 as Global Chief Engineer in Fuel Systems and Components, and is based at the Jacksonville, North Carolina, operations within the new Gasoline Advanced Engineering Center of Excellence.
Michael has more than 35 years of experience creating, designing, and developing fuel systems and exhaust after-treatment products. He currently holds more than 100 automotive and fuel system patents. During his time in manufacturing management, he and his team won a Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence (PACE) Award for innovative gasoline fuel injection manufacturing technology. He also has authored several publications in automotive components and aftertreatment systems.
“There is a lot of innovation left to do and ground to break on the internal combustion engine,” said Hornby. “We are entering a golden age of ICE advanced engineering. Stanadyne is well positioned to provide technical solutions that will help support vehicle hybridization and emissions reduction activities across the mobility industry.”
Michael’s role as Stanadyne’s fuel injection expert and innovator primarily focuses on the development of gasoline fuel injection components and systems. He oversees a growing product engineering group supporting current and future original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customer engine programs. One of his key project initiatives is the development of a 1,000 bar gasoline direct injection fuel injector and next generation high-pressure pump.
“As OEMs continue to pursue vehicle electrification, they are also looking at high-pressure fuel delivery systems to improve engine efficiency and performance, while continuing to reduce emissions,” said Hornby. “Our 1,000 bar pump and injector system will be able to deliver fuel into the cylinder as fine as an aerosol mist. This will allow the fuel to burn more cleanly, efficiently, and with more energy – perfect for engine downsizing.”
Michael spent 35 years with Continental Automotive Systems in Newport News, Virginia. During his tenure at Continental, he held positions of increasing responsibility within Product Engineering, Manufacturing Management, eventually becoming the Executive Director of Advanced Product Development.
“I spent a significant portion of my career working on gasoline fuel injectors for Continental, and Siemens VDO Automotive before that,” said Hornby. “I am excited and inspired to be able to apply my experience towards the continued advancement of fuel injection technology.”
Michael has an MBA in Technology Management and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He current serves on the Old Dominion University School of Engineering Advisory Board.