UTAC, a global specialist in automotive testing and proving grounds with a workforce of 1,300 across the world, has announced a significant expansion of its facilities in five countries. This investment underscores UTAC’s commitment to supporting clients as the automotive industry transitions toward electrified, autonomous, and sustainable mobility.
In the United Kingdom, UTAC has advanced its Millbrook and Leyland sites to meet the growing demand for electrification and driveline innovation. At the Leyland facility, four additional Electric Drive Unit (EDU) test benches have been installed. These benches feature a modular design, enabling greater flexibility to meet diverse customer requirements. At Millbrook, enhancements include expanded battery testing capabilities, improved Track Control with multi-screen safety monitoring, upgrades to engine testing using UTAC USA’s proprietary REPS automation software, and adaptations to the Heavy Duty Variable Temperature Emissions Chamber to serve new market sectors. Additionally, UTAC has completed a full renovation of its Concept 1 corporate events venue, offering clients a modern and refreshed space for industry engagement.
In the United States, UTAC’s Centennial Building in Michigan has been transformed into a state-of-the-art electrification testing facility. Originally built in 2004 for internal combustion engine testing, the facility now includes three new high-speed test cells capable of handling e-motors up to 25,000 RPM and 800 Nm of torque. This represents a 25 percent performance improvement over previous capabilities and a 200 percent increase compared to its original setup. The facility offers precise environmental simulation, with controlled air, oil, and glycol temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C, replicating real-world operating conditions. The investment also includes dynamic E-Flow motor technology with patented cooling, and a high-frequency Unico Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverter for maximum efficiency. Now covering 85,000 square feet and powered by a 5MW electrical supply, the site is currently supporting a long-term program with a major European OEM to test what will be its most powerful electric motor to date.
In Oued Zem, Morocco, UTAC has strengthened its endurance testing capabilities with the addition of a new “Sun Bench.” Fully designed and engineered in-house, the system comprises 700 infrared lamps, each rated at 300 watts, allowing manufacturers to realistically simulate and validate extreme solar heat conditions. Its zoned and mobile design enables targeted heat exposure on specific parts of a vehicle, improving accuracy in hot-climate testing scenarios.
In Ivalo, Finland, UTAC has introduced a customized, fully electric spin traction truck, positioning the company as the first independent European provider to offer spin traction testing in compliance with North American standards. This new solution supports tyre certification and R&D testing year-round, both indoors and outdoors, across all seasons—an advantage for manufacturers requiring precise, regulatory-compliant traction validation for global markets.
UTAC has also continued to invest in its core infrastructure in France. At its Paris facility, a new tyre buffing machine was installed in June 2025 to enhance tyre preparation for testing, while ongoing upgrades to acoustic tracks are reinforcing UTAC’s leadership in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) testing.
Commenting on this global expansion, Connor McCormack, CEO of UTAC, stated: “Innovation, agility and customer service have been the cornerstones of UTAC for over a century. As mobility transitions towards electrification, autonomy and sustainability, we are proud to invest in new capabilities that allow our clients to push the boundaries of technology. Our expanded global offering ensures UTAC remains the trusted partner for today’s industry leaders and tomorrow’s pioneers.”
