Millbrook has announced that it has signed a contract with the owners of Test World, to acquire the winter vehicle and tyre test business.
Based in Ivalo, Northern Finland, Test World is made up of unique and versatile facilities, including specialist tyre testing capabilities and a range of winter tracks. Test World has indoor facilities for both objective and subjective testing of winter tyres on real snow throughout the year, reducing time to market for tyre manufacturers. Test World’s facilities are available to customers for independent testing, as well as providing test services and type approval work to its global customer base.
Millbrook states that in combination with its own 70km of varied tracks and test facilities for components and full vehicles, Test World will now be able to offer a much broader range of winter, wet and dry testing services to its clients. Being part of a larger group will also give Test World better access to capital, making it easier to invest and further develop its test facilities.
Test World’s existing management will remain with the business and so provide continuity to customers and partners. All of Test World’s operations and services will continue and will be unaffected by this change.
The acquisition of Test World is a significant step by Millbrook to increase its capabilities and expand its relationships internationally. It follows a number of high profile facility investments so far in 2015, including upgrades to engine dynos, additional capacity in Portable Emissions Measurement (PEMS), increased capabilities within the crash test department and the development of Millbrook’s Technology Park.
“We are very pleased to announce this investment, which will expand Millbrook’s diverse portfolio of services and complement our existing UK proving ground and test capabilities,” explained Alex Burns, CEO of Millbrook. “We are looking forward to working with Test World’s excellent customer base and sharing our engineering expertise to enhance the services and facilities provided to all of our customers, both in the UK and internationally.”