This new facility is nearly double the size of the existing facility and provides the capacity for future growth of its technology and testing capabilities. The build-to-suit facility was designed and constructed by Plymouth, MI-based DeMattia Group at a cost of $12 million.

Ricardo has entered into a 20-year lease agreement with DeMattia.

"This significant investment demonstrates the confidence Ricardo places in the future success of its growing North American business," said Jeremy W. Holt, president of Ricardo, Inc. and executive director of parent company Ricardo PLC. "Our expanded Detroit Technology Campus will help us takeautomotive technology to the next level."

The U.S. company - which has steadily grown both organically and through targeted acquisitions since 1989 - currently employs 350 people in North America. It expects continued growth over the next three to five years as automakers embrace strategic product development outsourcing.

Plymouth-based DeMattia Group designed and managed construction for the new facility comprising 54,000-sf of office space that will be used for design, computer aided engineering, thermo-fluids, vehicle refinement, controls and calibration engineering teams. This space also includes conference rooms, project offices, a technical library and an area for the company's administrative and support staff.

The building is designed to easily accommodate 30,000 to 40,000 sf of additional space for future growth and expansion. It also complements the extensive powertrain testing operations that remain housed in the original facility.

The new campus, which is located along I-275 at Tyler Rd., has 218 parking spaces for employee and customer vehicles and a confidential parking lot for project vehicles. A covered pedestrian walkway connects the new and existing technical centers, creating a campus environment.Ricardo has been a technology provider of research and design services for automotive manufacturers and tier one suppliers since 1917.