A&D Technology Opens New EV/Battery Testing Center and Partners with State of Michigan in Green Jobs Strategy; Grant Award Announced Yesterday
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--A&D Technology, Inc. is pleased to announce the opening of their new Advanced Vehicle Electrification Technology Center (AVETC) at their headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The new facility provides a functional display of A&D’s advanced propulsion testing capabilities, including battery and HEV, for both suppliers and customers, and also provides a hands-on environment for accelerated learning.
“A&D’s facility incorporates best-in-class equipment and automation technology that accelerates internal development and proof-of-concept initiatives”
In response to the rapid growth of the renewable energy industry, A&D over the past year has partnered with Wayne State University and The University of Michigan to provide their students a rich laboratory experience aligned with their specialized engineering courses in advanced energy storage.
As announced yesterday by Secretary Solis of the US Department of Labor, A&D is proud to be the industry partner for the "Southeast Michigan (SEM) Advanced Energy Storage (AES) Training Project”, funded by Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Growth through the USDOL State Energy Sector Partnership Grant. In support of this activity, beginning in March A&D will be offering a series of two- and three-day advanced technology workshops/short courses to incumbent and displaced workers covering battery and HEV testing methodologies supported by the new laboratory. The intention of the program is to provide educational content and hands-on laboratory experience demanded by employers in this industry, leading to placement, retention and advancement of new hires and incumbent workers for green jobs. “These workers have excellent skills within the automotive industry,” says Kevin Kemp, Director of Global Sales and Marketing, "but now need to come up to speed quickly with these new technologies and testing methodologies. We are proud to be a part of the State of Michigan’s strategy on retraining Michigan’s workforce for employment in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. With this new facility, combined with our vast experience in advanced vehicle testing, A&D is uniquely qualified to support these efforts.”
“A&D’s facility incorporates best-in-class equipment and automation technology that accelerates internal development and proof-of-concept initiatives,” says Bob Galyen, Chairman, SAE Battery Standards Committee. “The center provides an excellent platform to evaluate potential technology prior to making final decisions and investments. I plan to take full advantage of the development opportunities and training resources available here. Accelerated hands-on learning will be critical for our current engineers and technicians entering the workforce.”
A&D will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony (to be announced in the coming days) in the Ann Arbor, MI facility. Attendees will include members of government, academia, as well as A&D Technology industry partners and customers, and will include a variety of presentations, a demonstration and a tour of the facility.
About A&D
A&D is a leading global supplier of advanced testing and simulation solutions for powertrain and vehicle development, providing complete turnkey solutions for a wide variety of applications, from durability and performance to hardware-in-the-loop simulation and hybrid/electric vehicle and battery development and testing. A&D has over 2800 employees worldwide and $350 million in annual sales. Further information is available at www.aanddtech.com.