Dana Corp. announced plans Tuesday for a $6-million expansion of its heavy vehicle research and development center in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The expansion is scheduled to begin this month, with completion early next year.
Dana's Heavy Vehicle Technology Center houses the headquarters and R&D center for Dana's Commercial Vehicle Systems Group - North America.
"This investment will enhance our leadership position in the commercial vehicle industry and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the medium and heavy truck business," said Nick Cole, president of the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group.
The expansion of the center will afford Dana additional research and development capabilities for its heavy-vehicle products. The expansion will add 15,000 square feet to the current 155,000-sqare-foot facility and includes a significant investment in technologically advanced test equipment.
Frank Sheehan, vice president of sales, marketing and product planning for Dana Commercial Vehicle Systems, said, "In expanding our research and development facility, we will further reduce time-to-market for the many new and innovative product launches we have planned."
Commercial Vehicle Systems has introduced a number of new products over the last 18 months, Sheehan said. About 75% of the CVS steer- and drive-axle lineup has been replaced with advanced models featuring patented, customer-driven enhancements. Significant improvements in performance and durability relating to brake and tire systems are also being validated.
"Recent product innovations delivered to the marketplace include a fixed suspension for flatbed trailer applications, the AdVantage slider air suspension, the S130 drive axle for medium duty trucks, and unitized wheel-end systems for all wheel-ends," Sheehan added.