Lovells Group has announced the launch of a new state-of-the-art flagship engineering, manufacturing and retail centre in Newcastle as part of its 95th anniversary celebrations and commitment to innovation.
The upcoming 5,000 square metre facility, adjacent to Lovells' main manufacturing site, will complement the company's existing research and development hub in Edwardstown, South Australia, forming a critical part of its national innovation ecosystem.
The $12 million investment will create 24 new specialist roles across engineering, advanced manufacturing, product design and compliance, while absorbing the existing Lovells Special Products manufacturing and design facility.
The centre will support the development of next-generation products across electric vehicles, emerging drivetrain technologies and advanced suspension platforms, with dedicated capabilities for advanced product fatigue, corrosion and performance testing, vehicle dynamic stability analysis and fitment engineering.
Managing director Simon Crane said the new Newcastle research and development centre reinforced the company's commitment to local innovation, advanced engineering and its role in supporting the future of transport.
“Together with our Edwardstown site and The Bend testing facilities in South Australia, this centre will ensure Lovells remains on the cutting edge of suspension, load-carrying, and towing system development,” Crane said.
As part of its commitment to future research and design capabilities, Lovells Industrial Systems is transitioning its production facilities to induction heating to cut emissions, improve energy efficiency and phase out gas use. The company plans to have three induction units operational by year-end and aims to achieve a fully gas-free operation within three to four years.
Lovells exports to more than 30 countries including the USA, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Greece, Kazakhstan and Thailand.
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