Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.) stands as North America’s premier independent provider of mobility testing services. For over 45 years, TRC Inc. has been instrumental in supporting the world’s leading transportation companies by delivering comprehensive engineering, research, evaluation, and testing solutions. Serving a diverse clientele including industries, governments, trade associations, and educational institutions globally, TRC Inc. leverages deep engineering expertise and industry knowledge to address the evolving needs of the transportation sector.
Located in East Liberty, Ohio, TRC Inc.’s headquarters, known as TRC Ohio, spans across 4,500 acres. This expansive facility operates around the clock, offering an extensive array of testing environments. These include diverse road courses, challenging wooded trails, a high-speed 7.5-mile Oval Test Track, and a 50-acre Vehicle Dynamics Area. At TRC Ohio, a wide spectrum of programs are conducted, focusing on critical aspects such as safety, energy efficiency, fuel economy, emissions, durability, performance, noise levels, crash simulation, and crash-worthiness. The testing programs are designed to evaluate a broad range of vehicles and components, from passenger cars, trucks, and buses to motorcycles, airplanes, off-road vehicles, tracked vehicles, and alternative-fueled vehicles.
TRC Inc. further solidified its commitment to innovation with the launch of the SMARTCenter in 2019. This advanced facility is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of connected and autonomous vehicle technology. At the heart of the SMARTCenter is the 540-acre Smart Mobility Advanced Research Test Center, specifically engineered for testing cutting-edge driving systems. These systems incorporate autonomous and connected vehicles, intelligent highways, sensors, and other innovations aimed at enhancing driving safety and efficiency. The SMARTCenter features high-speed straightaways and realistic cityscape simulations, providing developers with varied intersection types, roundabouts, and complex navigational scenarios to rigorously test their systems.
Expanding its footprint and expertise, TRC Inc. introduced TRC California in 2021. This 225-acre automotive technology testing and research complex, situated near the technology hub of the West Coast in Merced County, extends TRC’s world-class engineering and technical capabilities. Through a long-term operational agreement at the former California AutoTech Development Center, TRC Inc. is actively developing TRC California into a comprehensive, single-source destination. This new site is designed to empower automotive technology and mobility innovators to validate the performance, safety, quality, and competitiveness of groundbreaking technologies that are reshaping global transportation.
Core Values and Company Culture at Transportation Research Center
TRC Inc. places people at the core of its operations. The company is dedicated to fostering a secure, supportive, and collaborative environment for its employees. TRC aims to be a dependable partner for clients and stakeholders, driven by a mission to contribute to a safer world for everyone.
We Prioritize People: TRC recognizes that its employees are the foundation of its success. The organization is committed to creating a workplace where individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to grow both professionally and personally.
We Are Better Together: Collaboration and teamwork are central to TRC’s ethos. By fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual support, TRC ensures that diverse perspectives and expertise are leveraged to achieve collective success.
We Lead with Solutions: TRC is dedicated to providing innovative and effective solutions to the complex challenges faced by the transportation industry. The company’s proactive approach and commitment to problem-solving make it a leader in transportation research and testing.
We Drive the Future: TRC is forward-looking and committed to shaping the future of transportation. Through continuous innovation and adaptation, TRC plays a crucial role in advancing mobility technologies and making transportation safer and more efficient.
Employee Resource Groups within the Transportation Research Center
TRC Inc. actively promotes diversity and inclusion through employee resource groups. These voluntary, employee-led groups foster a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere throughout the organization, creating valuable networks and bringing employees together across different departments.
- TRC WOMEN (Women Offering Mentorship Expertise & Networking): This group focuses on building community among women at TRC through events that promote professional development, technical skills, education, and personal connections. It is inclusive of cis and trans women, as well as non-binary individuals who feel comfortable in a space centered on women’s experiences.
- SHIFT (Supporting Highest Inclusion For TRC): SHIFT is dedicated to creating a supportive and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ employees and allies at TRC. The group engages in community-building, education, and advocacy to promote inclusivity and equality.
- TRC VETS: Created to support veterans within TRC, TRC VETS offers a community for sharing experiences, raising awareness about veteran issues, and providing resources and opportunities for veterans to thrive in their careers at TRC.
- TRC CARES (Compassion, Awareness, Recognition, Education, Support): TRC CARES is committed to promoting mental health awareness and providing resources to TRC employees. The group aims to empower employees to prioritize their mental health and support their colleagues, working to destigmatize conversations around mental well-being.
- HARTS (Health, Awareness, Resources, Thrive, Support): HARTS focuses on educating, supporting, and empowering employees to enhance their overall health and well-being. The group promotes healthy lifestyle choices and aims to cultivate a culture of wellness throughout TRC, regardless of individual fitness levels.
The Origins of Transportation Research Center Inc.
The foundation of TRC Inc. dates back to 1962 when The Ohio State University’s College of Engineering established a transportation research center. The initial goal was to coordinate and encourage academic and research programs related to transportation. The University envisioned a dedicated facility for controlled transportation research, separate from public roads. This concept evolved through collaborative efforts with the Ohio Department of Highways, leading to the Ohio State Board of Trustees approving a development plan in 1966 and acquiring land in Union and Logan Counties.
In 1972, the Ohio Legislature officially created TRC of Ohio and established the Transportation Research Board to oversee and manage the Center. Subsequently, staff was hired to operate the facilities. In June 1979, the Board contracted with Ohio State to manage the operations and personnel of TRC of Ohio.
A significant transition occurred in September 1987 when the Center’s property was offered as an incentive to attract a major automotive manufacturer to build a plant in Ohio. On January 26, 1988, the property sale was finalized, and TRC Inc. was formed as the successor to the Transportation Research Board. TRC Inc., established as a non-profit Ohio corporation affiliated with Ohio State, entered into a management agreement with the automotive manufacturer. This agreement ensured the Research Center would continue to operate as an independent, multi-user testing facility.
Today, TRC Inc. upholds the original staff, philosophy, and procedures, remaining dedicated to conducting confidential and proprietary research and testing for the transportation industry.
Mission and Vision for the Future of Transportation
Mission: TRC Inc.’s mission is to assist clients in solving problems and addressing critical challenges related to the safe, effective, and efficient movement of goods and people globally. This is achieved by applying cutting-edge expertise and leveraging a team of passionate and dedicated professionals unmatched in the industry.
Vision: TRC Inc. aspires to be an indispensable partner and the most trusted leader in enabling solutions that shape the future of transportation and enhance global safety.
Leadership Team at Transportation Research Center
TRC Inc. is guided by a strong leadership team, each member bringing extensive experience and expertise to their roles. The leadership team includes:
- Brett Roubinek, President and CEO
- Ron Burton, Chief Operating Officer
- Allison Kender, Chief People Officer
- Gavin Howe, Director, Technical Services
- Chris Heise, Director, Business Development
- Jason Jenkins, Director, Laboratory Performance Evaluation
- Taylor Manahan, Executive Director, Services
- Andrew Mathers, Executive Director, Strategy and Innovation
- Jordan Piening, Director, Road Performance Evaluation
- Aric Zimmerman, Director, Finance
- Jeff Rockwell, Director, Information Systems
- Travis Fowler, Director, Human Resources
- Jen Dunn, Director, Office of the President, Marketing, Communications & External Affairs
- Josh Garrity, Director, TRC California
- Michelle Fowler, Director, Advanced Mobility
- Pete Larson, VP, Operations TRC Minnesota
Commitment to Quality and Environmental Responsibility
Quality Statement: TRC Inc. is committed to delivering well-planned services, prioritizing customer needs for accuracy and timeliness in all testing projects. The company also focuses on meeting the management and growth needs of key stakeholders. TRC is dedicated to fulfilling the requirements of its Quality Management System, customers, employees, and stakeholders, while continuously striving to improve its Quality Management System.
Environmental Statement: TRC Inc. is dedicated to environmental protection and ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.
Equal Employment Opportunity: TRC Inc. is committed to equal opportunity in all employment practices, without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation (LGBTQIA+), veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
TRC Ohio: North America’s Premier Mobility Testing Facility
TRC Ohio serves as North America’s most advanced independent mobility testing service provider. It is uniquely equipped to meet the complex engineering, research, evaluation, and testing demands of the world’s leading transportation companies. Located on 4,500 acres in East Liberty, OH, TRC Ohio operates 24/7 with diverse facilities, including road courses, wooded trails, a 7.5-mile High-speed Oval Test Track, and a 50-acre Vehicle Dynamics Area. TRC Ohio specializes in programs evaluating safety, energy efficiency, fuel economy, emissions, durability, performance, noise, and crash-worthiness for a wide array of vehicles and components.
TRC California: Strategically Located West Coast Testing and Research Hub
TRC California provides a strategically positioned West Coast testing and research facility. Situated in Atwater, California, on a 225-acre site within the former Castle Air Force Base, TRC California is conveniently located just a two-hour drive from Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, and other key West Coast technology centers. TRC California offers mobility innovators essential access to top-tier testing facilities and expertise, enabling them to validate advanced systems and technologies effectively.
