02 Mar 2016 Further Investment in Powertrain Facilities at Millbrook
Rutland is pleased to announce further investment in Millbrook’s powertrain facilities, expanding its capacity and increasing its capability to develop higher technology and lower emission and fuel economy engines and vehicles.
This latest investment follows the upgrade of nine test cells in 2015 and will include a further four engine test cells, a new fuel blending facility, 4WD chassis dyno test cell and additional soak space and advance climatic capability.
Building work is set to commence in March 2016, following an adjusted road layout, which includes installation of new power-lines and a new fire ring mains system to accommodate the building.
Expected to be operational by November 2016, the 4WD dynamometer facility will be fully compliant with the new WLTP and will enable Millbrook to test 4WD, high performance and complex hybrid and electric vehicles, to reduce tailpipe emissions, improve fuel economy and ultimately support the development of low carbon vehicles and less polluting fuels.
Commenting on Millbrook’s latest investment plans, Phil Stones, Head of Powertrain – Emissions and Fuel Economy at Millbrook, said: “Millbrook is leading the way in automotive innovation and this new facility will help to cement our position as the UK’s number one facility for benchmarking and developing the most advanced powertrains for future vehicles.”
Chair of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), Dr Ann Limb CBE DL, explains: “We are proud to support Millbrook in its exciting plans for high quality, sustainable growth in the South East Midlands. The new high power capabilities that Millbrook will be able to offer, once these advanced facilities have been built, will support the development of the UK’s growing number of niche luxury and high performance marques.”