Transportation Research Center, a proving ground in Ohio, North America, has taken over the Automotive Enviro Testing (AET) facility in Baudette, Minnesota. The 470-acre AET complex, now known as TRC Minnesota, is well-known in North America for its cold weather proving ground facilities with its range of ice- and snow-covered surfaces and sub-zero cold chambers.
TRC Minnesota joins TRC’s portfolio of other resources, including the 4,500-acre TRC Ohio complex, which was established in 1974, and the 225-acre TRC California, which serves west coast clients.
Brett Roubinek, president and CEO of the Transportation Research Center, said, “As we celebrate TRC’s 50th Anniversary, AET is an exciting addition to the TRC family of companies. With long winter months of extreme weather conditions, this well-established northern Minnesota proving ground now offers an expanding portfolio of testing opportunities for our clients.”
TRC Minnesota has been serving the industry since the 1990s under AET. Facilities there include more than 20 outdoor test tracks and terrains and five climate-controlled cold chambers. There are also 15 heated garage bays, on-site lodging with four secure motel-style lodges and a conference center with catering.
“Cold weather testing is crucial in evaluating how vehicles and components perform under extreme, low-temperature conditions. At TRC Minnesota, a wide array of specialized equipment and controlled environments provide real-world cold weather scenarios. The TRC family is grateful to be joining forces with the expert AET staff to build innovation in cold weather testing well into the future,” said Roubinek.