MTU Builds New R&D Test Facility

Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen held a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction work on a new R&D test facility at Plant 1. The company plans to invest more than €60 million in the project by 2015. In the future, technicians will be able to run function tests on newly developed engines on the new, cutting-edge test stands with work including areas such as the development of new combustion processes, engine control systems, engine-specific exhaust gas aftertreatment plants and gas engines.

The first phase of the project foresees construction of the main building and three test stands designed for engines producing up to 2,500 kW each. In addition, there will be a storage facility for various gases used to test newly developed gas engines which are rapidly gaining popularity as alternatives to diesels. The first phase is expected to cost around €40 million and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2014.

The second phase will see the construction of four more test stands for engines generating up to 4,500 kW, along with a swiveling test stand. This phase will be finished by the end of 2015 at a cost of about €22 million.

The seven test stands planned will facilitate tests on gas and diesel engines in the MTU 1600, 2000 and 4000 series

Operation of the new facility will involve the creation of employment at MTU´s Friedrichshafen location where 20 additional technicians will be needed to operate the new test stands. In the future, all the new test stands will be capable of accommodating units from all engine series. The set-up area in front of the test stands will be used to prepare and retrofit engines for test runs while another engine is still running on the stand.

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