FEV, Inc. last month became one of the first companies to establish operations within the Energy Systems Innovation Center at the Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) in North Charleston, S.C.
The company, which is a subsidiary of Germany-based, FEV GmbH, develops advanced powertrain and vehicle system technologies.
“We believe this is a strategic location that creates an FEV engineering center of excellence in the Southeast to serve our customers in the region,” said FEV, Inc.’s acting CEO Dr. Patrick Hupperich. “It will also provide a launch point for business development and relationship building activities with both current and potential customers, including those beyond our traditional service areas, such as aerospace, manufacturing and advanced materials.”
The company said it plans to leverage its expertise in the development and testing of in-vehicle systems and vehicle connectivity technologies, including infotainment and telematics systems.
“We’re proud to welcome FEV to the Charleston region as it becomes to first company to establish operations at Clemson’s Energy Systems Campus, which houses the world’s most advanced drivetrain testing facility,” said David Ginn, President and CEO of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.
On November 21, the SCE&G Energy Innovation Center, located on the campus of the CURI, was dedicated. In addition to the drivetain testing factility it also houses a smart grid simulator.
The overall mission of CURI is to “develop and foster restoration industries and environmental sustainable technologies in South Carolina.” The institute is focusing on specific areas including, Advanced Materials, Methods, and Processes, Energy Systems and Restoration Ecology.
FEV’s presence in the Charleston region will allow it to be in proximity to customers in South Carolina specifically, and in the Southeast generally, which is a rapidly expanding hub of automotive, energy, and defense-related companies that FEV has supported for many years. It also creates opportunities to explore partnerships with other technology companies that have located in the area.
John Kelly, Clemson University vice president for economic development, said “FEV’s partnership with Clemson and the Energy Systems Innovation Center underscores the value of public-private partnerships, particularly those between higher education institutions and innovative technology firms. We both believe strongly in research and collaboration. This partnership has the potential to grow far beyond this initial commitment. It isn’t just about companies coming here; it’s also about ideas coming here. FEV will bring talented engineers to the Charleston region, and we hope this initial step is just the beginning.”
The FEV Group employs 2,600 at advanced technical centers on three continents including 450 personnel in its North American Technical Center in Auburn Hills, Mich.
