BorgWarner to build new production line and engineering centre in the UK

May 21, 2013: The Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc will provide its leading turbocharging technologies for Jaguar Land Rover’s new family of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines which are expected to be launched in 2015.

To support JLR’s new Engine Manufacturing Centre near Wolverhampton, BorgWarner plans to expand on its existing production lines and build a new engineering centre in Bradford in the United Kingdom. In addition, BorgWarner is strengthening its close collaboration with the nearby University of Huddersfield by establishing a master’s degree programme in turbocharger engineering.

“With our investment in local production and testing, BorgWarner will provide Jaguar Land Rover with fast-to-market, high-quality advanced technologies adapted to their specific needs,” said Frederic Lissalde, president and general manager, BorgWarner Turbo Systems. “BorgWarner’s investment in innovation will also help support the local economy with highly skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs, and our increased collaboration with the university will help develop the talent needed to drive turbocharging advancements for the future.” Ian Harnett, Jaguar Land Rover's Purchasing Director, said "Jaguar Land Rover remains committed to enhancing and developing the automotive supply chain in the UK. This contract is a great example of how we want to work in partnership with our supply chain to develop innovative solutions to support future growth. We are delighted that this contract will not only create high value manufacturing and engineering jobs in West Yorkshire but will support Borg Warner's collaboration with the University of Huddersfield. This will ultimately help the UK become even more competitive as it is investment in innovation that will make the difference to the growth in the UK economy."

BorgWarner has produced turbocharging systems for several commercial engine manufacturers in Bradford for nearly 35 years. The new production line will expand the company’s product offerings to include turbochargers for passenger cars. In addition, the new engineering centre will provide application engineering, design, simulation, testing and validation as well as metallurgical labs. The new centre is supported by a grant from the government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF), which supports projects that leverage private sector investment to create economic growth and sustainable employment in England.

Since 2011, BorgWarner has been collaborating with the University of Huddersfield on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to research improvements in materials for turbocharger housings. The new master’s degree program in turbocharger engineering will offer students the opportunity to specialise in an advanced technology to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance performance for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

SHOBHA MATHUR

Photograph: The BorgWarner plant in Bradford.