Manufacturing News, South Australia

Automotive manufacturer opens new R&D facility in SA

Australian automotive component and equipment manufacturer, Lovells Automotive Systems, has launched a new Research and Development (R&D) Facility in Edwardstown, South Australia

The company manufacturers suspension components, original equipment (OEM) parts, aftermarket coil, and leaf springs, has launched

The facility will underpin the company’s vehicle dynamic stability testing capabilities and simulate the most extreme road and climates conditions encountered by its worldwide customers. 

The occasion marked the iconic Australian automotive brand’s upcoming 95th Anniversary and underscores the company’s long commitment to driving innovation. 

Employing 20 staff spanning engineering, design and corporate roles, the new facilities will focus on developing next generation products in the suspension and towing space, spanning: automotive rail, mining, industrial and specialist engineering solutions. 

“Lovells is a company founded on innovation and as we enter our 95th year this new R&D facility will ensure we continue to accelerate our efforts to design, engineer and manufacture the best products for our local and international customers for many decades to come,” said managing director of Lovells, Simon Crane. 

“Lovells new Edwardstown facility becomes a key asset in our ability to design, test and manufacture right here in Australia for our global customer base. Together with our testing facility at Tailem Bend and manufacturing capability in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Lovells is well-positioned to develop next generation suspension and towing products for a wide range of clients.” 

The new R&D facility follows on from earlier investment by Lovells to relocate all vehicle dynamic stability testing from the National Test Grounds in Anglesea (VIC) to the world-class facility at The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend (SA). 

South Australian customers will also benefit from greater investment in the region, which also includes two major retail branches in Adelaide.  

Highlighting the importance of the new facility and its contribution to regional development, the event was officiated by Tony Pasin, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport, and Member of the House of Representatives for the Liberal Party of Australia. 

This was alongside Lesley Yates, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). 

“Lovells’ investment into the company’s research and development capabilities reflects the broader confidence and commitment within our industry to turn great ideas into global impact,” said Lesley Yates of the AAAA.

Our Industry’s dedication to rigorous, evidence-based testing, ensures that worldwide customers can drive with confidence that safety and durability are core to every product we develop.” 

Consistent of three divisions, Lovells’ new South Australian facilities will support the creation of products for Lovells Springs and Lovells Special Products divisions, which are then sold and distributed through Lovells Automotive Systems. 

Send this to a friend