Chep opens innovation center

The company said the building is designed to validate and test new shipping containers and related technology. It includes a 12,000 sq.-ft. laboratory and a 2,500 sq.-ft. product development area. Testing equipment includes a drop tester to study the effects of impacts on containers, vibration testing devices, and a compression tester capable of applying force of up to 50,000 lbs. to simulate block stacking and racking of pallets and containers.

Brian Beattie, senior vp-marketing and product research and development for Chep, will be in charge of the center.