Mahle To Expand N.A Powertrain Operations

Mahle Powertrain is opening new North American facility in Plymouth, Mich. later this year as a part of a US$16 million North American expansion that will the company said will accelerate a variety of advanced engine-development programs.

Mahle  will enhance its current engine and vehicle testing capability with a 45,000-sq. ft. building recently acquired from Westport Fuel Systems. The official opening of the new facility is expected to take place in early November.  The North American powertrain operation currently employs more than 40 people and expects to add up to 20 new powertrain engineering positions over the next several years.

The new Plymouth location is equipped with a four-wheel-drive chassis dynamometer, seven vehicle lifts, five powertrain test cells and a wiring-and-instrumentation laboratory. Further expansion plans call for two additional powertrain test cells, upgrades to engine and vehicle test beds to meet regulatory requirements for certification, and additional equipment to support hybrid-electric vehicle testing.

Hugh Blaxill, managing director of Mahle Powertrain, LLC said that the move will enable Mahle to provide additional customer support in advanced engine testing for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, propane and natural gas powertrains.