When Transportation Research Center of Ohio (TRCO) opened for business in July 1974, the future of our company was yet undefined. But let’s face it -- who could then predict, that by 2009, we would have intelligent car systems that take control from drivers to avoid accidents, burn corn fuel in our engines, and have crash test dummies capable of simulating impact injuries to human beings?

Conceptualized in 1962 the State of Ohio began plans to build an unprecedented commercially available automotive proving grounds; in fact it was the largest in the world. The initial concept was for a center that would coordinate and encourage controlled transportation, academic and research programs. An outgrowth of that vision was the suggestion to build a physical facility that could be used by manufacturers and governments to develop and test their vehicles and components, along with vehicular research. In 1969, the State of Ohio earmarked thirty million dollars for the acquisition of more than 8,500 acres of farm land to establish TRCO. The facility began operations with approximately 100 miles of pavement and two buildings, which has now turned into approximately 140 miles of pavement and 16 buildings.

They envisioned that such a facility could draw more automotive jobs into Ohio. Today, according to the Ohio Department of Development, over 16,000 direct automotive manufacturing jobs exist in our locale. Approximately 56,000 more jobs are filled by the additional tradespersons and professionals who provide services to all those families, plus provide support services to our 1,500 customers. As an economic magnet, today’s Transportation Research Center (the Center) has been very successful. But more than providing jobs, the daily operations at the Center have contributed to the design and manufacturing of safer transportation vehicles and products, while also providing services that will help lead us to a healthier, more sustainable environment.

In 1979, to help improve TRCO operations, the Transportation Research Board entered into an agreement with the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University (Ohio State) to provide management services. The College of Engineering continues to provide today’s Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.) president. TRC Inc. is the not-for-profit corporation controlled by Ohio State, which manages the day-to-day TRC operations.

In 1978, Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. (HAM) established their first manufacturing facility adjacent to TRC. In 1988, the land and assets of TRCO were sold to HAM as an economic inducement to build additional manufacturing and research facilities. HAM contracted with TRC Inc. to continue to provide management of the on going operations of the business of TRC Inc.

TRC Inc. has earned the reputation as the world’s leading provider of independent vehicular testing services. Customers can be licensed to perform their own testing or engage the services of TRC Inc.’s professional staff to conduct unbiased testing. Challenges are viewed as exciting opportunities for growth. Since the Center began, new programs have been developed for customers in the areas of collision avoidance, energy absorption, fuel economy, emissions, durability, performance, noise, crash simulation, and crashworthiness. Test programs evaluate the performance of passenger cars, trucks, airplanes, tracked vehicles, off-road vehicles, recreational vehicles, buses, motorcycles, electric vehicles, and automotive components. Less visible programs include research for highway architecture, security barriers, driver social behaviors, and natural resources.

TRC Inc. schedules and monitors all facilities with primary importance placed on the safety and security of each customer. TRC Inc. is ISO 9001 and 14001 registered, and some testing procedures have ISO 17025 accreditation. We will continue to measure and improve the quality of the services we provide. The success of TRC Inc. can be measured by our satisfied customers, our 500 valued employees, and the impact upon our local community and the worldwide automotive industry.