Transportation Research Center Inc., North America’s most comprehensive and advanced independent automotive research and testing proving grounds, has been named Large Business of the Year by the Union County Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber’s annual Excellence in Business Awards recognize the owners and employees of local businesses and nonprofits who are creating a thriving community.
“All of us a TRC are honored by this recognition of the important role we play in our home community and our work over many decades to make this region a focal point for groundbreaking research that’s helped shape the future of transportation in America and across the globe,” said Brett Roubinek, president and CEO of the TRC.
“As a result of breakthroughs made here, the world’s roads are more reliable and its vehicles are safer and more environment-friendly, while we’re also making valuable contributions to the strength of our state and community economies.”
Roubinek cited TRC’s close alliance with the NW 33 Council of Governments – Union County and the cities of Marysville and Dublin – and the Beta District to advance technology on the 35-mile Smart Mobility Corridor. Together, with its local partners, TRC is proud to help foster an environment where technology innovators can find the ecosystem for success.
“Many TRC team members and their families reside in Union County, where they proudly contribute to community activities, schools and social organizations,” he added.
Since its dedication 50 years ago, TRC has attracted more than 1,000 clients from world-leading industries and partnered with decision makers in every sector – government, industry, research, education – to bring fresh ways of thinking about vehicles and the roadways they travel.
TRC’s 4,500-acre East Liberty campus in Union and Logan counties, with an expert team of 500 engineers and other specialists, operates around the clock to conduct tests in a variety of advanced research facilities that include closed-road courses, rural lanes, a 7.5-mile high-speed oval test track, and a 50-acre vehicle dynamics area.
Among TRC accomplishments have been its key roles in the development of automotive innovations such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, lane assist, adaptive cruise control – were all tested and refined here at TRC before they appeared on American roadways. Most recently, TRC has developed pioneering testing facilities for the development of autonomous driving technologies.
Transportation Research Center Inc. representatives accept the Large Business of the Year Award during the Union County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Excellence in Business Award ceremony. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)