#VolvoPenta of the Americas Test Center was recently featured in the Suffolk News Herald: Located in the small village of Eclipse, the Volvo Penta test facility is the only marine testing facility of its brand in North America. Gas and diesel engines, transmissions as well as other marine necessities such as electronics, propellers and emissions are tested at the facility. Established in 1994, the Volvo Penta test facility evaluates the quality of Volvo Penta marine products. The location is ideal because of the site’s unique access to both freshwater and saltwater trails. In addition, the area is sheltered, allowing for testing in calm water, even when the weather is less than agreeable. The company tests prototypes and components of its products before sending them into the manufacturing steam. The products to be tested are sent to the facility, where they are outfitted on boats for assessment. Volvo Penta has built a great reputation with the community. Forty percent of employees who work at the test facility hail from Suffolk and Isle of Wight. In addition, staff members routinely participate in local events, such as “Clean the Bay Day.” Bob Crocker, who manages the test center, is a member of the board of directors for the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance. In 2003, the test facility was hit hard by Hurricane Isabel, which destroyed the docks and boatel and flooded the main building. Wasting no time, the staff was able to get the facility back into usable condition in three days, testing products again despite the lack of electricity. It took a year to repair the facility fully. The hurricane, however, was a bit of a blessing in disguise, as it allowed the establishment to be rebuilt better than it was before. “We did a lot of great upgrades to the facility,” explained Crocker. “All new docks, new boatel, it’s a much nicer looking facility now than it was then.” Employees also used the experience to better prepare themselves and the facility for future hurricanes. Procedures such as where to place the boats and store hazardous materials such as lubrication and paint were put into place in the event that another catastrophic hurricane hits the area. The facility operates on three basic principles of safety, quality and environment. The company especially stresses the environmental aspect of these principles. “It’s a core value of the Volvo group,” said Lindsy Shrewsberry, marketing and communications specialist. “It’s at the forefront of our consciousness all the time.” In 2005, the facility was designated as a “Clean Marina” by the state. The only other Volvo Penta test facility is located in Sweden. The facility is equipped to test larger diesel engines that are over six liters.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 22:01:04 +0000
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