A world leader in powertrain engineering has accelerated its growth and expanded its base in Coventry.
AVL, the world’s largest privately-owned company in the automotive industry for the development of powertrain technologies, has expanded its Tech Centre at Sovereign Court at The University of Warwick Science Park.
The take up of additional office and workshop space will support an increase in the firm’s customer software development, as well as simulation and analysis of future powertrain technologies.
Around 60 engineers will now be based at the site, on Sir William Lyons Road, in Coventry and the firm has plans to almost double its workforce at the centre in the short term.
AVL has engineering teams at the University of Warwick Science Park, which have been undertaking diesel engine calibration, electric systems development, and transmission control software development since first opening the centre in early 2011 to expand the expertise already provided by the Tech Centre In Essex.
Over the last three years, AVL has also added research into hybrid and EV systems, advanced simulation and analysis, driver assistance systems and functional safety to the expertise in the UK.
And the company has already benefited from its location at the site, with connections to neighbouring research and development companies.
Dr Alan Walker is a Director at AVL and is responsible for the location in Coventry.
He said: “Our expansion at the University of Warwick Science Park is in response to an increased customer demand in the region for both our products and advanced engineering capabilities.
“AVL supports the automotive and mobility sectors worldwide and it is our expert knowledge and skill-set that has enabled us to continue to grow, even through the economic downturn.
“We are pleased to be taking our business further by expanding at the Science Park, we will be able to drive recruitment over the coming years.
“The team at the Science Park have been very efficient and helpful since moving into office space at the site and we hope to continue to utilise the facilities available.”
David Grindrod, of the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “The beauty of being based at the Science Park is that it offers companies such as AVL the flexibility to grow and expand their facilities.
“We are pleased that AVL has continued to expand their base whilst also taking advantage of the facilities on offer at the site.”
AVL, employs over 6,000 staff worldwide, with bases across America, Asia, Australia and Europe, including the UK tech centre in Basildon which employs around 100 staff.
Prof Matthias Wellers, Managing Director of AVL is based at the Tech Centre in Basildon and is also proud of the expansion at the Science Park.
He said: “Being in the right location is important to AVL, and being based at the University of Warwick Science Park perfectly complements our main Tech Centre in Basildon. The strategy to be close to our customers is key for our success, I am proud that AVL’s Centres in the South and Midlands are right in the heart of the automotive research and development activities across the UK.”
