Tognum America Inc., an American subsidiary of German-based Tognum AG, a propulsion and power solutions firm, will invest $22.5 million to expand its Research and Development Center at the MTU Aiken County plant in Aiken County, South Carolina. The will double the center’s development capacity with the addition of two new test cells for off-highway diesel engines.

The Research and Development Center at the MTU Aiken Plant features advanced technologies that aid in the design of cleaner, more efficient and more powerful versions of the MTU Series 2000 and Series 4000 off-highway diesel engines. Construction of the new engine test cells is scheduled to begin next month. It is anticipated that the project will be completed by March, 2015.

“The expansion of our MTU Aiken Plant is part of our global growth strategy to invest in our plants and in R&D,” said Tognum CEO Dr. Ulrich Dohle. “In the medium term, the plant expansion enables us to prepare for the planned volume growth.”

The investment follows Tognum’s initial commitment of $40 million to build the Research and Development Center, which officially opened in April, the South Carolina Department of Commerce said. The company’s ongoing plans to increase its footprint in North America have resulted in an overall investment of approximately $100 million in Aiken County since 2010. The company also maintains facilities and offices throughout the U.S., and is in the midst of an international plant expansion program.

“Our continued growth and success at the MTU Aiken Plant is the result of our strong partnership with Aiken County and the state of South Carolina,” said Joerg Klisch, vice president of North American operations, Tognum America Inc. “This new expansion project will enable us to enhance our engine development capabilities and will result in the completion of one of the most advanced diesel engine development facilities in North America.”

“Today’s announcement shows Tognum’s commitment to South Carolina, and we celebrate the $22.5 million investment and the new jobs created in Aiken County. We know we are on the right track with economic development when existing businesses like Tognum are successful in our state and grow their footprint here,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“Tognum’s expansion proves that South Carolinians know how to make quality and advanced products that are used around the globe. The MTU research and development center not only provides a boost to Aiken County’s manufacturing base, but also solidifies South Carolina’s place in the nation’s manufacturing renaissance,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“This has been exciting to watch the MTU Aiken Plant’s continued growth in Aiken County,” said Gary Stooksbury, chairman of the board of The Economic Development Partnership of Aiken and Edgefield Counties. “It looks like a strong partnership between the company and the county has developed. We are grateful for today’s news and look forward to MTU Aiken’s continued growth and prosperity.”