Kolman’s Komments: That’s one gigantic research facility you have there

Michelin Laurens Proving Grounds (MLPG) in South Carolina was the venue for Western Star Truck’s introduction of its new Extreme Duty (XD) Offroad package – engineered specifically for extremely rugged environments – and MBT-40 Transformer chassis – which has the ability to quickly change from one fully functional in cab controlled body application to another.

I was among a select group of truck journalists invited to attend the event.

As part of the event, the invited press had an opportunity to drive a range of Western Star vehicles at MLPG.

Looks truly can be deceiving. When viewed from above, MLPG looks like a large motorsports complex. It is not. It is a vast 3,300-acre scientific laboratory devoted to the research and development of tires and vehicles.

MLPG, Michelin's on-vehicle test site for all of North America, is one of the largest testing facilities of its type in the world. It is here that Michelin tests and evaluates its tires in a never-ending effort to provide products that deliver outstanding performance, reliability and the highest quality, says Beth Langston, activities planning manager for the facility.

There are more than a dozen individual test tracks, including:

- Main test track.

- Road course.

- Wet handling.

- Gravel endurance.

- Off-road courses.

- Heavy truck loop.

- Noise.

- Vehicle dynamics.

- Coast down and drift/pull.

Laurens is located between Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina.

Outside activities

MLPG is also a destination for vehicle manufacturers and others who use it for testing, driver training, special events and more, Langston says. The testing is supported by state-of-the-art technology and a highly experienced staff of engineers, professional test drivers and support personnel.

As with all R&D facilities, there is security and privacy at MLPG. While we got to see certain areas and drive on a few of the test tracks, much of the MLPG was off limits.

Shielded from view by a forest and protected by on-site security, perimeter fencing and other measures, the facility was designed from the ground up to protect against prying eyes and unwanted exposure.