Claas is investing heavily in a new testing centre at its Harsewinkel factory in Germany. The facility is due to be completed in autumn 2018 at a cost of more than €15 million.

The new centre can simulate harvest climates from around the globe, applying these conditions to the parts fitted to combines, foragers and tractors that the company manufactures.

The 8,000sq m building will house more than 200 workstations and will be kept warm by a heat recovery system, which means a conventional one won’t be required during the chilly winter months.

A water system that runs through heat exchangers, which are fitted to underfloor radiators, will provide cooling in the summer to keep the new building energy efficient.

See also: Claas UK to build multimillion-pound headquarters in Suffolk

Along with this investment, Claas has increased its dealer network in the UK with two new branches, in North Devon and Derbyshire.

Alkmonton Tractors in Derbyshire will offer the complete tractor, telehandler, baler and green harvest products. It will work alongside two other Claas dealers to provide the foragers and combines.

Hamblys is well established as a Claas dealer throughout the South West of England and has added a new depot to provide local sales and support.

The latest addition came following Hamblys’ purchase of Richard Mann Agricultural Engineering, based near Torrington, North Devon. All the existing staff are being retained and the firm now offers the full range of green-and-white-liveried products.