Technical Centre opens in Coventry

The world’s largest privately owned independent consultant in the automotive powertrain industry is celebrating the opening of its new Midlands Technical Centre in Coventry.

AVL, who employ over 5,000 staff worldwide, already has two UK centres in Basildon and Hartlebury and has now set-up a base at the University of Warwick Science Park.

Twenty staff are now based at Sovereign Court Two in Sir William Lyons Road, including a complete team developing control software for transmissions. A further 40 engineers work out of the centre, supporting customers at their premises.

Dr Matthias Wellers, Managing Director for AVL’s Powertrain Engineering division in the UK, said: “We are experiencing a strong growth due to increasing customer interest in our products and skills.

“AVL works with major OEMs and suppliers worldwide, and our knowledge really helps our UK customers who operate in a global marketplace.”

The opening will be officially marked on February 23 when representatives of major industry players will gather to discuss technical advances in the automotive and heavy duty industries. AVL will also present future developments in engines, transmissions, electrification, motor sport, development tools and emerging market activities.

Michael Gallion, Department Leader for AVL Powertrain UK’s Transmission Department, said: “It makes sense to be based at the University of Warwick Science Park because of its location close to many of our UK clients, and we are impressed with the facilities here.”

David Grindrod, Acting Director of the University of Warwick Science Park, said he was certain AVL’s Midlands Technical Centre would flourish.

“There is a great deal of flexibility and potential for growth for AVL at the science park and it is fantastic we have been chosen for its Midlands base,” he said.

“This is the type of environment that companies such as AVL will thrive in because we have an interesting mix of businesses at the science park.

“We wish Matthias and his team the best of luck with their open day which certainly has a packed agenda of speakers who are specialists in their chosen fields.”