Perkins Engines Company Limited is investing £19 million in the creation of a state-of-the-art test facility for its current and future products, at its headquarters in Peterborough.

Over the next two years Perkins will install 12 new mechanical validation cells and five endurance cells at its Global Engine Development centre (GED).

The facility, which will allow Perkins to put its Tier 4 engines through the most stringent validation tests, follows on from the recent announcement to create a world class crankshaft machining centre in Peterborough and will be the best of its type in the UK when completed.

“This is an important investment for our business as it ensures our capability to continue to develop world class engines to meet our customers’ expectations,” said Perkins president Hans Haefeli.

GED currently has approximately 50 test cells and seven additional specialist cells undertaking a variety of complex validation tests, including performance and emissions, mechanical development, endurance and transient development.

Robin Woodward, general manager GED said: “We want to create a highly flexible testing centre able to support our long-term needs. The 12 new cells will have a significant additional capability and will enable us to run high value tests at high levels of efficiency.”

By investing in a state of the art facility, rather than outsourcing large parts of its test programme, Perkins will have greater control over timing and thereby will be able to serve its customer base more effectively.

“This investment ensures a strong future for our highly trained staff and allows the business to continue to grow its capability.

“We are developing a facility that will give our customers the best delivered quality yet. The new cells will ensure the testing is of a high value and will enable us to better replicate the customer environment,” concluded Mr Woodward.