NORTHAMPTON — A research-and-development laboratory previously in Amherst, where studies and tests were ongoing to improve lubrication systems in military jets and helicopters so they will last longer and use less oil, recently relocated to a larger production site in Northampton.

Zulu Pods Inc. in June began leasing a more than 5,800-square-foot building at 106 Industrial Drive, in the city’s industrial park. In the new building, research and development is continuing, like it had been in Amherst for more than a year. But the new site will now allow the company, headquartered in Florida, to expand the engineering and manufacturing of its “packaged oil delivery system.”

Before moving from the 2,300-square-foot garage in North Amherst, Zulu Pods performed an engine test using its flagship product, the ZPod, which is described by the company as “the world’s first modular fluid delivery system that combines the function of a reservoir, pump and nozzle into a single, self-contained, self-pressurized and hermetically sealed packaged oil delivery system.”

That test showed that the ZPod significantly reduced the volume of lubricating fluid required in the engine, enabling more efficient use of fuel to extend the range for what are known as mission critical applications.

The larger facility allows the company to shift toward commercialization of the ZPods while continuing to explore new product and application segments for the fluid delivery technology in aerospace and defense. The company contends that the ZPod is lighter, placed right in the working zone of the engine bearing or gear compartment, and meters the minimum amount of lubrication required for optimal performance. ZPods can also be used for primary lubrication on limited life engines, backup lubrication during a loss-of-lubrication event or supplemental lubrication to extend oil interruption capability.

In addition to expanding its engineering and operations teams, with about 10 paid employees in Amherst, Zulu Pods is enhancing its core focus on supporting U.S. military emphasizes through supply chain readiness, cost efficiency and capacity, meeting the Department of Defense’s demand for rapid scale and deployment of munitions.

“Supply chain risk mitigation is tantamount to technology capability in the eyes of our customers and end users,” Rob Sladen, Zulu Pods’ chief executive officer, said in a statement.

One area the company notes is showing promise is corrosion prevention on critical mechanical systems, understanding that the Department of Defense spends around $20 billion annually on maintenance due to corrosion, or almost 20% of every maintenance dollar. Corrosion also significantly affects the availability and safety of systems and equipment which can severely impact combat readiness.

The Anti-Corrosion Smart Pod is building off the same patented oil pod technology, with the introduction of health monitoring, data acquisition and automated maintenance for long-term asset storage in maintenance bays, repair facilities, and overhaul depots.

Sladen said the initial conversations with those using the Anti-Corrosion Smart Pod is positive.

“We see immense potential in reducing labor costs, performance degradation, and potential failures of critical mechanical systems that are stored for extended periods of time,” Sladen said.