Daimler Trucks North America has committed to investing $18 million to upgrade its current research and development facility in Madras, Ore.

The upgrade, which includes a test track and several buildings, will begin this winter and will be completed by the end of 2016. This announcement comes two years after DTNA announced plans to build a new $150 million headquarters building on its campus in North Portland.

The upgrade to the facility will bring more than 30 new jobs to the area, according to DTNA.

“Daimler Trucks North America is committed to Oregon, as recently evidenced by our new headquarters building currently under construction in Portland,” said Matthew Markstaller, property manager, DTNA.  “Locating our own durability test facility in Madras will further centralize and strengthen our engineering presence in Oregon.”

The Madras facility has a track that is designed to allow engineers to simulate a typical vehicle’s full-service life by traveling over a variety of road surfaces in less than six months.

The location is near DTNA’s Portland headquarters, allowing engineers in the office and in the field to more easily work on projects together.

“We are pleased to have DTNA as a partner in the area and welcome its commitment to Madras and our economy,” said Royce Embanks, Mayor of Madras.