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.
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.