MTU Friedrichshafen, a Tognum subsidiary has started construction work on a new R&D test facility at Plant 1 in Friedrichshafen, Southern Germany. In future, technicians will be able to run function tests on newly developed engines in areas such as combustion processes, engine control systems, engine-specific exhaust gas aftertreatment plants and gas engines. The company plans to invest more than €60 million in the project by 2015.

The first phase of the project foresees construction of the main building and three test stands designed for engines producing up to 2,500 kW. In addition, there will be a storage facility for various gases used to test newly developed gas engines. The first phase is expected to cost around €40 million and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2014. The second phase will see the construction of four more test stands for engines generating up to 4,500 kW, along with a swivelling and will be finalised by the end of 2015 at a cost of €22 million. Ulrich Dohle, CTO at Tognum AG said “They represent a vital addition which will complement our test stands in Augsburg where we develop gas engines for stationary operations.”