Exova receives contract extension with Laird

Exova, the global testing company, has extended its contract for 2017 with global technology leader Laird (LRD: London), to conduct product design and production validation testing for automotive Smart Antennas.

The work is being undertaken at Exova’s Warren, Michigan laboratory with support from the site at Mississauga, Ontario. Laird is a global technology company that enables mobile connectivity through wireless applications and antenna systems, and supplies components and solutions that protect electronics from electromagnetic interference and heat. In the automotive sector, Laird designs, manufactures and delivers automotive antennas, and produces state-of-the-art solutions including satellite radio, GPS, cellular, AM/FM, on-glass, amplifiers, Bluetooth, and DAB.

Exova will conduct all environmental testing for Laird’s North American automotive products. This includes simulation testing utilizing environmental chambers; water spray/drip testing; corrosion testing; and vibration testing utilizing electrodynamic shakers. The testing will initially validate the new design of a product, followed by validation of the production process.

Exova has made investments at its Warren laboratory to support the work required for this contract, including the acquisition of several environmental chambers and water spray cabinets, as well as two electrodynamic shaker systems with environmental chambers. Additionally, Exova has increased capabilities in mixed flow gas testing, which will reduce outsource costs and improve turnaround.

Dave Charter, Sourcing Manager at Laird, said: “Exova has really prioritized our partnership. They continue to exceed our testing expectations and timing, and they have become a very trusted supplier.”

Earl Smith, Vice President, Transportation US at Exova, comments: “Our contract with Laird is valuable to us and we have made significant investments to ensure we offer the best service to our customer.

“We have increased our capacity and technically demanding capabilities in Warren, and we have provided this customer with a dedicated team to make crucial reductions to turnaround time. This project requires a high level of programme management and organisation and we are proud to be a part of Laird’s extended team.”