Thule will officially open a $3.7 miillion test lab at its factory in Hillerstorp, Sweden Wednesday that in a matter of days can simulate conditions that used to take months to reproduce.


The new test center includes a vibration table that can simulate true rural road tests. There is also a complete climate lab for testing corrosion, UV radiation, heat and air humidity, as well as a 'sleeping policeman' – a rig developed in-house that simulates driving over road bumps. Hillerstorp is home to Thule's largest development department.
 
In addition to practical tests, various types of computer simulations can also be carried out at the facility using advanced calculation programs. For instance, Thule can conduct virtual collision tests as a quick and efficient way of finding out how a product would behave in an accident.