Smithers' Michigan test site certified for professional driver training

BRIMLEY, Mich. — Smithers Group's winter testing facility near Brimley in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has become a certified examination site for a professional drivers' skill certification.

Smithers recently received SAE J3300 certification for its test center near Brimley, which offers over 800 acres of snow, ice and dry pavement for testing drivers' skills in winter driving, trailer towing and automated driving. SAE J3300 is a regulatory benchmark for drivers to report their driving skill levels.

"With a wide variety of test surfaces and a state-of-the-art event center on site, the Smithers Winter Test Center is an excellent location for drivers' training and certification events," Sean Connolly, general manager of the center, said.

"Our team is very proud to be a certified examination site for SAE J3300, and we look forward to the opportunity to support professional drivers and other groups looking for SAE J3300 training."

The proving ground draws drivers from OEMs and tier suppliers who, besides drivers, evaluate vehicle systems, tires and components in extremely cold temperatures and hazardous road conditions.

During 2020, Smithers carried out upgrades and expansions of testing capabilities at Brimley, including improvements to two hill sections and the addition of an off-road course, along with increasing freezer capacity by adding a pair of Reefer trailers, each capable of accommodating two large passenger vehicles or light trucks at temperatures as low at -30°F.