MIRA to invest £300 million in becoming ‘Europe’s most advanced independent testing facility’

MIRA has announced its intention to become a £100million business within the next 10 years. The well-known independent test centre, which is home to test garages belonging to Dunlop, Continental, Giti and Kumho to name but a few, says the business’ growth will see MIRA become the most advanced independent transport technology facility in Europe. And the operation reports that it is willing to commit £300 million to investment in new infrastructure at its Midlands base.

Commenting on the business’ desire to evolve, CEO George Gillespie said: “MIRA is a fantastic opportunity for the UK. We have the capability to take the lead in emerging technologies, such as low carbon vehicles and intelligent mobility, that are becoming desirable throughout the world and to attract international companies looking for advanced engineering expertise and facilities.

2010 was a record year for MIRA with turnover up 30 per cent to £37million. And that is said to be why the company has chosen now to capitalise on the increasing demand for high value-added engineering services and grow turnover by a further 100 per cent over the next five years.

MIRA underwent a re-brand in January, creating a fresh visual identity for the business ahead of a marketing drive to support its growth, and has a new management team with a business development focus. In addition, MIRA is seeking to grow its international business from 18 to 45 per cent by focusing on its overseas operations in: Europe, China, India, Malaysia, Korea and Taiwan as well as untapped markets with growth potential such as Brazil.

But MIRA’s long-term plans centre on the £300 million re-development of its 850 acre site in the Midlands – which will ensure the business has the capacity to match its capability over the next 30 years.

CEO George Gillespie added: “We are planning a 43,000 square metre state-of-the-art Engineering Centre that will provide modern, environmentally sustainable office space and incorporate the latest low carbon building design and construction techniques as well as utilising renewable energy sources.”

In 2010 MIRA recruited 70 new staff and its continued growth in the UK alone is expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs directly over a 10 year period. There is also significant potential for job creation throughout the supply chain and an apprenticeship scheme, designed to nurture engineering skills at a grass roots level, is planned in partnership with a local higher education provider.

MIRA was formerly known as The Motor Industry Research Association and has been synonymous with automotive testing since its creation by the UK Government in 1946. However, engineering consultancy now represents the majority of MIRA’s business – providing design engineering, computer simulation, test development, validation and certification services to customers spanning not just the automotive sector but also defence, aerospace and rail.

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