UTAC announces extensive upgrades and new facilities worldwide, boosting capabilities in electric drive units, battery and endurance testing, and semiconductor assembly to support the evolving automotive industry’s shift towards electrification, autonomy, and sustainability.
UTAC, a major player on the global stage when it comes to automotive testing and proving grounds, has just announced some pretty significant expansion plans for its worldwide facilities. The main goal here is to better support their customers, especially as the industry shifts rapidly toward electrification, autonomy, and a more sustainable approach to mobility. Basically, this move highlights UTAC’s strong commitment to pushing forward industrial innovation—something that’s needed more than ever given how quickly vehicle technologies are transforming.
Starting in the UK, UTAC has given a notable boost to its Leyland and Millbrook sites to keep up with the rising demand for new electrification and driveline innovations. For example, Leyland now features four brand-new Electric Drive Unit (EDU) test benches. These are modular, so they can be customized to fit different client needs, which makes them pretty versatile. Over at Millbrook, they’ve expanded their battery testing capabilities and improved safety monitoring with a slick multi-screen Track Control system. Plus, they’ve added proprietary REPS automation software to the engine cell and adjusted the Heavy Duty Variable Temperature Emissions Chamber to tackle emerging market sectors. Oh, and the recently renovated Millbrook Concept 1 venue — used for corporate events and industry gatherings — is a testament to UTAC’s focus on fostering innovation in a refreshed environment.
Meanwhile, across the pond in Michigan, UTAC’s transformed the Centennial Building. It used to be just an internal combustion engine lab, but now it’s a state-of-the-art testing hub for electric vehicle components. The upgrades include three high-speed test cells designed to evaluate e-motors at speeds up to 25,000 RPM and torque levels hitting 800 Nm. That’s a 25% improvement over what they could do before, and it’s double the previous capacity. The facility also features advanced simulation tech that can precisely control air, oil, and glycol temperatures between -40°C and +85°C, mimicking real-world conditions. They’ve also installed dynamic E-Flow motors with patented cooling, along with high-frequency Unico Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverters to maximize energy efficiency. The entire complex is over 85,000 square feet and supported by a solid 5-megawatt power supply. Notably, they’re now working with a major European OEM on a long-term testing project for its most powerful electric motor yet.
Over in Morocco, UTAC’s proving ground in Oued Zem has added a pretty unique ‘Sun Bench’ endurance testing rig—designed and built in-house—to simulate extreme solar heat. It uses 700 infrared lamps, each rated at 300 watts, which can zone and move around to expose vehicle parts to intense sunlight. This setup is a game-changer for validating vehicle performance in hot climates. On top of that, their Finnish facility in Ivalo now features a fully electric spin traction truck—kind of a big deal because UTAC has become the only independent provider in Europe offering spin traction testing that aligns with North American standards. This means they can perform tyre certification and R&D testing all year round outdoors and indoors—especially important for manufacturers wanting to stay compliant in multiple markets.
Back in France, UTAC remains heavily invested in core testing and validation capabilities. Just recently, in June 2025, they installed a new tyre buffing machine to enhance tyre prep for demanding tests. They've also upgraded their acoustic tracks to bolster their leadership in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) assessments. These investments reinforce UTAC’s focus on delivering comprehensive, high-quality testing environments.
Beyond upgrading existing facilities, UTAC has also been expanding its global footprint through acquisitions and new plant openings. Acquiring three Panasonic plants—located in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia—has boosted their production capacity and deepened expertise in automotive and industrial segments. This supports their push into electrified and self-driving vehicle markets. Moreover, the company is building two new factories in China and expanding facilities in Thailand, fitting into their overall strategy to meet growing demand across next-gen mobility tech. In addition, their Singapore operations have seen a recent S$500 million expansion—further proof that UTAC’s serious about semiconductor testing and assembly, which are crucial for automotive electronics.
All these investments and new facilities point to UTAC’s ambition to stay ahead in the fast-changing world of mobility. Connor McCormack, their CEO, was quite clear about their vision, saying, “Innovation, agility, and customer service have been at the core of UTAC for over a hundred years. As we transition toward electrification, autonomy, and sustainability, we’re excited to expand our capabilities so our clients can push the envelope of what’s possible in vehicle tech. Our global footprint ensures UTAC stays the trusted partner for both today’s industry leaders and tomorrow’s pioneers.”
Since its founding back in 1924, UTAC has positioned itself as a vital player—helping shape safer, cleaner mobility by providing tailored testing, certification, engineering, and consultancy services all around the globe. With over 1,300 employees spread across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, their rapid infrastructural growth and strategic acquisitions clearly signal their intention to stay at the forefront of the industry’s move towards electrified, autonomous, and sustainable vehicles.
Source: Noah Wire Services
