Australian manufacturer Lovells Automotive Systems has officially opened a cutting-edge Research and Development (R&D) facility in Edwardstown, South Australia.
In a news release, Lovells said it marks its 95th anniversary with a $1 million investment in a new facility in South Australia, employing 20 staff to develop advanced suspension and towing products for both local and international markets.
“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 Simon Crane, managing director of Lovells.
In particular, the new facility will enhance Lovells’ vehicle dynamic stability testing capabilities, allowing the company to simulate extreme road and climatic conditions.
This marks a major step forward in Lovells’ ability to design and test products tailored to the demanding needs of the automotive, rail, mining, and industrial sectors.
“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,” Crane added.
He continued, “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 R&D facility complements Lovells’ earlier investment in relocating its vehicle dynamic stability testing from Anglesea, Victoria, to The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend, South Australia.
Highlighting the broader industry significance, Lesley Yates, director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), emphasised Lovells’ impact on regional development.
He noted, “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.”
“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,” Yates remarked.
Lovells’ new South Australian facilities will support the development of products across its three divisions—Lovells Springs, Lovells Special Products, and Lovells Automotive Systems.
The company’s operations are bolstered by its corporate and manufacturing base in Newcastle, New South Wales.
The facility’s opening was officiated by Tony Pasin, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport.
