Thule invests 20 million in new test centre

Hillerstorp - MARCH 11, 2008 - A hell-ride at ultra-high speed. That's what Thule products will now be put through. In future they will be put through the toughest stresses and strains in just a few days - a process that previously took several months. On the 12 March Thule officially opened a new test centre at its 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 customer 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.

The Thule test centre will support the entire Group and represents an investment of more than SEK 20 M. In addition to practical tests, carious 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 effective way of finding out how a product would behave in an accident. Hillerstorp, Thule's first site, was a logical choice location. Hillerstorp is home to Thule’s largest development department, and the personnel hare have many years of experience and advanced expertise.