Lovells Automotive opens new R&D facility

Suspension component manufacturer Lovells Automotive Systems has opened a $1 million Research and Development (R&D) Facility in Edwardstown, Adelaide which will underpin the company’s vehicle dynamic stability testing capabilities.

The company, which manufactures suspension components, original equipment (OEM) parts and aftermarket coil, and leaf springs, will use the facility to develop and test products through simulating the most extreme road and climatic conditions encountered by its worldwide customers.

The opening marked the automotive brand’s upcoming 95th anniversary and underscores the company’s long commitment to driving innovation, according to a statement.

The Managing Director of Lovells Simon Crane (pictured) said: “Lovells is a company founded on innovation and as we enter our 95th year this new R&D facility will ensure we continue to accelerate our efforts to design, engineer and manufacture the best products for our local and international customers for many decades to come.

“Lovells new Edwardstown facility becomes a key asset in our ability to design, test and manufacture right here in Australia for our global customer base.

“Together with our testing facility at Tailem Bend and manufacturing capability in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Lovells is well-positioned to develop next generation suspension and towing products for a wide range of clients.”

Employing 20 staff spanning engineering, design and corporate roles, the new facilities will develop next generation products in the suspension and towing space, spanning automotive, rail, mining, industrial and specialist engineering solutions.

The new R&D facility follows on from earlier investment by Lovells to relocate all vehicle dynamic stability testing from the National Test Grounds in Anglesea, Victoria to its facility at The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend, South Australia.

“The million-dollar investment underscores the company’s reputation for innovation, rigorous testing and product performance.”

South Australian customers will also benefit from greater investment in the region, which also includes two major retail branches in Adelaide in Edwardstown and Greenfields, both offering bespoke services supporting suspension, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and towing upgrades, alongside fitment of a range of electrical and general accessories.

The opening of the new facility was officiated by Tony Pasin, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport, and Lesley Yates, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA).

Lovells also operates from corporate and manufacturing operations located in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Picture: Lovells Automotive Systems/Mike Davison, Simon Crane, Tony Pasin and Phil Dagenhardt