Lovells Automotive Systems opens a new R&D facility in Edwardstown
Lovells Automotive Systems Pty Ltd, Australia’s largest manufacturer of suspension components, original equipment (OEM) parts and aftermarket coil, and leaf springs, has launched a cutting-edge Research and Development (R&D) Facility in Edwardstown, South Australia. The facility will underpin the company’s vehicle dynamic stability testing capabilities and simulate the most extreme road and climatic conditions encountered by its worldwide customers.
95 Years Strong
The occasion marked the iconic Australian automotive brand’s upcoming 95thAnniversary 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.
Facility to accelerate design and engineering efforts
Simon Crane, Managing Director of Lovells said, “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.
“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,” said Crane.
Testing in Tailem Bend
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). The million-dollar investment underscoring the company’s reputation for innovation, rigorous testing and product performance.
GVM & Towing Upgrades in SA
South Australian customers will also benefit from greater investment in the region, which also includes two major retail branches in Adelaide: one in Edwardstown (Deloraine Street) and the other in Greenfields, both offering bespoke services supporting suspension, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and towing upgrades, alongside fitment of a range of electrical and general accessories.
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, alongside Lesley Yates, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA).
Where Lovells Springs fits in
Lesley Yates of the AAAA said, “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.”
Consisting 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. The entire Lovells operation is supported by corporate and manufacturing operations located in Newcastle, New South Wales.