Q’STRAINT UNVEILS IQ RESEARCH CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART CRASH TEST SLED

WHITSTABLE, EAST KENT, UNITED KINGDOM , APRIL 2, 2014: Q’Straint, a global leader in developing innovative solutions for wheelchair passenger securement, has announced the opening of the iQ Research Centre of Excellence that includes a new HYGE™ crash simulation system.

The Centre was officially unveiled on the 26th February during a global launch ceremony for a number of guests from all over Europe and as far afield as America, Asia and the Middle East. Among the guests were some of the foremost vehicle manufacturers, standards officials and members of transport associations, trade bodies and disability action groups. The feedback received was extremely positive with many visitors stating that the facility far exceeded expectations.

“Q’Straint is extremely proud of our new iQ Research Centre of Excellence,” said Andy Cumming, Managing Director of Q’Straint. “With our investment in the facility, we can now research, test, certify and deliver the next generation of securement systems to market, thereby improving safety for everyone.”

The 17,500 square-foot iQ Research Centre of Excellence houses the HYGE™ crash simulation system which will utilise the most advanced data gathering technologies available, including the very latest full colour, high speed / high definition cameras, on board Luminys Sunblast LED lighting and Humanetics crash test dummies. The HYGE™ accelerator sled at the heart of the system is capable of reproducing crash conditions simulating a vehicle impact in excess of 60 mph. The test sled can deliver 225,000 pounds of thrust (equivalent to a modern jet fighter); is capable of handling in-vehicle tests to 2.25 tonnes; accelerates to a maximum of 60g; and can reach maximum speeds of 66 mph in 0.1 seconds! Currently a very limited number of HYGE™ dynamic crash simulation systems exist in the world, only three of which are in the United Kingdom.

Located in Whitstable, East Kent, the innovative iQ Research Centre of Excellence is a world class research and design facility which furthers research innovation and enhances the company’s product development capabilities while increasing the speed with which new products can be brought to market. The investment reflects Q’Straint’s commitment to advancements in research and development while further reinforcing the company’s position as a global technology leader within the industry. Additionally the Centre will create new job opportunities for research and engineering positions well into the next decade as our team of specialist engineers and technologists is grown to explore new ways to transport wheelchair users in comfort and safety

Established over 30 years ago, Q’Straint expanded from North America into the United Kingdom 20 years later and continues to grow globally. The company currently serves more than 70 countries worldwide with offices in the UK, United States, Canada and Australia.

About Q’Straint: For over 30 years, Q’Straint has remained focused on developing the most innovative solutions to advance the safety and effectiveness of wheelchair passenger travel. The diverse global staff serves customers in more than 70 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa For more information visit qstraint.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.