Milestone Moments: AAM Opens Its Advanced Technology Development Center

Published on October 21, 2024

Advanced Technology and Development Center

 

In 2014, AAM’s Chairman & CEO, David Dauch, unveiled plans to repurpose Plant 2 of AAM’s then manufacturing site into the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC). This transformation represented a major investment in both the facility and AAM’s future innovation strategy. By refurbishing the existing plant, AAM established ATDC as a hub for advanced automotive technology development, supporting AAM’s commitment to Delivering POWER. Opened in 2016 across the street from AAM’s World Headquarters (WHQ), ATDC serves as a nucleus for creativity and innovation. The facility is a focal point for developing future product, process and system technology. ATDC is designed to streamline AAM’s operations and bring together key functions under one roof. This consolidation enhances collaboration and allows for faster innovation across many different departments: advanced engineering and manufacturing, gear development, next-generation prototype builds, warranty analysis, competitive assessment and more.

ATDC plays a central role in AAM’s continued success in product launches and technological advancements. It’s equipped for technology benchmarking, prototype development, advanced technology initiatives, supplier collaboration and customer showcasing that will help accelerate AAM into the future of the industry.

Connected to ATDC is AAM's Competitive Analysis, Product and Experience Center (CAPEC). The CAPEC plays a crucial role in benchmarking and competitive assessments by housing AAM’s most current teardowns, which include both AAM and competitor electric motor and internal combustion engine components. This area showcases AAM's innovative technologies and serves as a hub for customer technology showcase events, internal training sessions, workshops, ride-and-drive events and other gatherings.

Inside CAPEC, visitors can experience AAM’s Electric Drive Technology through a driving simulator that allows them to feel the performance and efficiency of AAM’s electrified technologies in a real-world simulation. A platform configurator slider lets users build customized electrified platforms using AAM’s products, complete with performance statistics like peak power and 0-60 mph timing. An interactive component display table brings AAM’s products to life, showcasing key features and benefits and highlighting the global manufacturing footprint of each component.

In addition to ATDC, AAM's global presence is strengthened by other facilities, including its Europe Headquarters & Engineering Center (EHEC) and Asia Headquarters & Engineering Center (AHC). EHEC, where excellence drives every area of this world-class facility, includes technical, engineering, and sales services, accelerating our industry-leading technology through innovative on-site development, design and test capabilities.

Located in one of the leading business regions in Asia, AHC serves as the AAM’s regional headquarters, providing engineering, purchasing and sales services tailored to meet the needs of a growing base of Chinese automobile manufacturers.

As we reflect on AAM's 30-year journey, ATDC stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation and Bringing the Future Faster. Learn more about ATDC and other key facilities here.

AAM Milestone Moments is a monthly series celebrating and reflecting on key achievements in AAM’s 30-year history. Ranging from watershed innovations and technological advances to foundational programs and community initiatives that are part of AAM’s DNA, these AAM Milestone Moments will each tell an important piece of the AAM story.