Fruit ripening by ethylene application used to be a risky business. Bulky cylinders and awkward lecture tubes made the entire process difficult, unpredictable and sometimes dangerous, which is why we started Catalytic Generators, LLC. We knew there had to be a better way.

After extensive research and experimentation, our vision became a reality. In 1973, the Catalytic Generator and Ethy-Gen® Ripening Concentrate were invented, patented, and introduced to the world. Suddenly fruit ripeners had a safe, easy method for applying ethylene.

Initiating the natural and controlled degreening/ripening process in fruits became a much simpler job. Rather than storing large quantities of compressed ethylene at a fresh produce warehouse, our on-site process of producing ethylene as it is needed made sense to fresh produce companies. Word quickly spread, and our ethylene systems are now found across the globe.  

We are a small, private, family-owned company in Norfolk, Virginia, where our headquarters and production facility are located. We operate across the globe, supplying fresh produce companies, grocery distribution centers, and growers with the tools to ripen avocados, bananas, tomatoes and more. We ship direct to many customers, and also have an extensive network of qualified distributors in many countries that provide quick supply and service.