An originally British motorcycle company has inaugurated its new technological centre in Leicestershire to develop, engineer and test its vehicles.
Royal Enfield’s brand-new facility, located at the heart of the central Midlands area of UK, is housed at the largest privately-owned vehicle test track facility.
The choice of location suits the iconic motorcycle manufacturer considering Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome and Proving Ground first opened in 1942 for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and hosted both the RAF and US Air Force.
In line with its aim to expand and make gains in the fast-growing global midsize motorcycle segment, Royal Enfield says it has been investing extensively towards increasing capacities, infrastructure and product, and as well as people capabilities.
The new technology centre in the UK was set up with a view to bring a more global approach towards product and technology. Also, the fact that the UK is the birthplace of the brand which made its first motorcycle in 1901, made it an obvious choice.
The UKTC (UK Technology Centre) acts as the innovative hub and global headquarters for product strategy, product development, industrial design, research, programme management and analysis for Royal Enfield.
The facility boasts state-of-the-art equipment and modern workshop facilities that enable engineers to develop authentically styled and accessible motorcycles and future concepts.
UKTC, which has a contemporary and futuristic industrial look, is spread across 3,000 square metres and over two levels. It essentially is a modern workspace for employees, with an Industrial Design Studio, Engine, Electrics, Chassis Build, Spray-shop, Model-shop, Metal work and Part store on the other floor.
The spacious Industrial Design Studio has variable-height modelling platforms and a suite of workshop facilities to bring the majority of model preparation in-house. The Engine Test building, spread across 470 square metres, houses the latest dynamometers and emissions equipment for testing.
Since commencing operations in January 2015, the UKTC now has over 120 employees working on multiple projects, that includes development of future products and platforms. The first modern Royal Enfield 650 twin and the new range of motorcycles has been developed between the teams at UKTC and Chennai, India.
The company operates through 17 company-operated stores and over 705 dealers in all major cities and towns in India, and exports to over 50 countries across the world including the USA, UK, several European and Latin American countries, as well as the Middle East and South East Asia.
