One of the UK’s leading commercial aircraft seating manufacturers, Mirus Aircraft Seating, has opened M-TEST, the largest commercially available and most technologically advanced crash test facility in the country.
The brand-new 407m² facility is an extension of Mirus’ current 2,500m² HQ at Hingham in Norfolk, and boasts the latest in testing technology. Possessing the greatest capacity currently in the market, M-TEST rivals some of the very best facilities in Europe and will allow Mirus to develop new technologies at a much faster pace – enabling greater innovation and speed to market for Mirus’ seating products.
The facility features a state-of-the-art, dynamic test sled, a bespoke device used for destructive and non-destructive crash test replication. Designed for high-impact testing of automotive, aerospace, motorsport and rail vehicles, the 30m long device is the most technologically advanced available.
Pending capacity, Mirus has the capability to lend M-TEST services to external domestic and international parties in the aerospace, automotive and locomotive sectors.
The launch on Friday 21 April was marked by a grand opening event, hosted by CEO of Mirus Aircraft Seating, Ben McGuire, as well as the MP for Mid Norfolk and Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman.
Ben McGuire said: “The addition of our very own in-house testing facility is a momentous milestone for Mirus and a significant investment into the local economy.
“With the ability to undertake testing accredited by Lloyd’s Register and in line with ISO 17025 and ACEA regulations, M-TEST will enable us to test and certify not only Mirus’ seating products, but also deliver a solution to the increased demand for sled testing within the UK.
“The £4million plus investment in the Norfolk economy, in partnership with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Growing Business Fund, also means we will be recruiting on a large scale within Norfolk and the surrounding region.”
George Freeman commented: “Mirus is one of a cluster of world class engineering and advanced manufacturing companies here on the Cambridge-Norwich Innovation Corridor, linked to the Lotus and Norwich Research Park R&D hubs driving the Norfolk and UK Innovation Economy.
“Through its R&D investment in lightweight aircraft seats and equipment, Mirus is on the frontline of the Net Zero Green industrial revolution – reducing emission and driving green growth.
As both local MP and Minister for Innovation, I’m delighted to be here today for the launch of M-TEST – a huge milestone both for Mirus and for the Norfolk and New Anglia innovation economy, providing exciting new jobs and career opportunities here in the heart of Norfolk and beyond.”
C-J Green, Chair of New Anglia LEP, added: “M-TEST represents a significant investment in the economy and is another world-leading manufacturing resource that shows this region is at the forefront of advancements in technology. The LEP is delighted to have supported the development of a facility that will deliver good quality jobs and not only be an asset to this area but for the whole of the UK.”
View the official M-TEST launch trailer here
To learn more about Mirus, visit www.mirus-as.com
