Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.) provides independent comprehensive research, development and testing services and facilities to manufacturers, industry organizations and government agencies worldwide.

In 1962, the College of Engineering of The Ohio State University (Ohio State) established a transportation research center to coordinate and encourage transportation-related academic and research programs. The University envisioned a facility for controlled transportation research without using public roadways, with their attendant control and safety problems. This concept was developed as a cooperative effort with the Ohio Department of Highways to such a level that The Ohio State Board of Trustees approved a development plan in 1966 and acquired the necessary land in Union and Logan Counties.

The concept was funded by a portion of the proceeds of a State of Ohio highway bond issue approved by the voters in 1968. In 1972, the Ohio Legislature created TRC of Ohio and established the Transportation Research Board for the control, management, supervision, and direction of the Center. Subsequently, the Board hired a staff to operate the facilities. TRC of Ohio was established to enhance the health, safety, and general welfare of all inhabitants of the State of Ohio, to create or preserve jobs and employment opportunities, and to improve the economic welfare of the State of Ohio.

In June 1979, the Board contracted with Ohio State to manage the operations and staff of the TRC of Ohio.

In September 1987, The Center's property was offered as part of an economic inducement to attract a manufacturing corporation to build an automobile plant in Ohio. On January 26, 1988, the property sale was consummated and TRC Inc. was formed as successor to the Transportation Research Board. TRC Inc., a non-profit Ohio corporation, affiliated with Ohio State, entered into a management agreement with the manufacturer to continue to operate the Research Center as a multi-user, independent test site.

The facility is operated for the use of automotive component and vehicle manufacturers, government agencies, and industry organizations worldwide. TRC Inc. conducts programs designed to test for safety, energy, fuel economy, emissions, durability, noise, crash, crash simulation and performance. We test trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, passenger cars and components.

The staff, philosophy, and procedures of TRC Inc. continue to be dedicated to the conduct of research and testing for transportation related industries in a proprietary and confidential atmosphere.