Thule invests SEK 20 million in new test centre
In future the products will be put through the very toughest stresses and strains in just a few days – a process that previously took several months. On 12 March Thule officially opens a new test centre at its factory in Hillerstorp, southern Sweden. The centre is a world-class facility in the industry, ensuring that Thule will continue to lead developments and stay one step ahead of consumer and legal requirements.
Thule’s products will not be getting an easy ride at the new test centre, which includes a vibration table that can simulate true rural road tests. There is also a complete climate lab for testing corrosion, UV radiation, heat and air humidity, as well as a ‘sleeping policeman’ – a rig developed in-house that simulates driving over road bumps.
“Thule is currently the world-leading brand for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals and active families who want to transport their equipment on vehicles safely, easily and in style. The investment in a new test centre will ensure that we consolidate and develop this position,” says Anders Pettersson, Thule President and CEO.
The new test centre will support the entire Group and represents an investment of more than SEK 20 M. In addition to practical tests, various types of computer simulations can also be carried out at the facility using advanced calculation programs. For instance, Thule can conduct virtual collision tests as a quick and efficient way of finding out how a product would behave in an accident. Hillerstorp, Thule’s first site, was a logical choice of location. Hillerstorp is home to Thule’s largest development department, and the personnel here have many years of experience and advanced expertise.
“This venture shows that Thule in Hillerstorp has found its role within the Group as the development and production hub for rack systems, as well as being a test centre also for other units in the Thule Group. Our close collaboration with universities in the region ensures we can create jobs for skilled graduates, even though we’re in a sparsely populated area,” says Magnus Welander, Business Area President and General Manager of Thule Sweden AB.
For further information, please contact:
Magnus Welander, Business Area President and Managing Director Thule Sweden AB, tel: +46 (0)703-32 55 04
Daniel Oelker, Senior Vice President Corporate Communication, tel: +46 (0)730-79 9004
Photos can be downloaded at www.thule.com/testcenter. The grand opening on 12 March will be at 14.00 CET in the presence of Jönköping County Governor Lars Engqvist and the Thule Group Management.