Humanetics Celebrates 30 Years of Manufacturing in Erie County, Ohio, Helping to Save Lives Worldwide
Humanetics is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary of operations in Erie County, Ohio, and its 15th year in Huron, Ohio.
Crash test dummies were first produced in 1991 in Milan, Ohio. The operation experienced substantial growth, prompting the transition to a more expansive manufacturing site in Huron in 2009 to accommodate the increasing demand.
Located in Erie County, the 45,000 square foot facility was the first of its kind, designed specifically for the manufacturing of crash test dummies. It features a state-of-the-art machining center, advanced vinyl and rubber molding systems, and a centrally located dummy certification lab spanning 4,500 square feet. The facility’s advanced environmental controls ensure the production of consistent, high-quality components, setting a new standard in the industry.
As a celebration of Humanetics’ 15-year presence in Huron, the company recently raised a billboard on OH Route 2 close to the Rye Beach Road exit. Christopher O’Connor, President and CEO of Humanetics, explains, “We wanted to remind the Huron community that the safety design of every vehicle in the world has been tested with a crash test dummy that originates in Huron. Millions of lives have been saved by these devices, meticulously manufactured here in Huron. It’s hard not to be proud of that.”
In addition, members of the Huron City Council including Mayor Monty Tapp and City Manager Matthew Lasko as well as David Zavac from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur's office (OH-09) recently attended a presentation and plant tour to discover their unique manufacturing capabilities and the vital crash safety products Humanetics produces. Both Congresswoman Kaptur and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance provided accolades on this momentous occasion.
It’s an honor to represent the fine men and women at Huron’s Humanetics and to support their work to ensure the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has access to anatomically correct female crash test dummies. I have worked to protect drivers by requiring accurate and up-to-date crash test dummies are used in the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and in determining the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Women are 73 percent more likely than a male driver to be severely injured in a car crash, and 17 percent more likely to die. Humanetics is helping to address this disparity with its specialty in female crash dummies. I am glad to be able to support their commendable work. The company is a leader in this manufacturing field. We are fortunate to have its production platform in the heart of Northern Ohio. I will always fight to keep these vital jobs here in our community.
-Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
Congratulations on celebrating the 30th anniversary of operations in Erie County. This milestone is a testament to Humanetics’ unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence in the manufacturing of anthropomorphic test devices. Businesses, like Humanetics, help make our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family and I extend my best wishes for many more years of continued success.
-JD Vance, United States Senator For Ohio
This milestone not only celebrates the company’s achievements in vehicle safety but also reinforces its ongoing search for local talent to join its mission of saving lives.
“We employ more than 120 of the area’s best operators and brightest engineers at our Huron facility. The automotive heritage of the region supports the company and offers a wide range of career opportunities for engineers, technicians, software professionals, and high-tech manufacturing specialists,” says Human Resources Manager, Heather Aschemeier. “Many manufacturing positions at Humanetics do not require previous experience, as the company provides comprehensive on-the-job training for roles including machinists, molders, welders, assemblers, quality technicians, laboratory technicians, and global shipping and receiving staff.”
Since 1990, advancements in vehicle safety technologies, notably seat belts and airbags, have played a pivotal role in saving lives on the road. Estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest that these features, along with rigorous crash testing involving Humanetics' ATDs, have been instrumental in saving hundreds of thousands of lives. The dedicated teams at our Huron facility have been crucial in producing the tools that allow the integration of these life-saving technologies into modern vehicles, underscoring our commitment to enhancing road safety.
As a proud member of the Huron community, Humanetics looks forward to continuing its legacy of innovation and community involvement for many years to come.
Mark Brown
Mark is the Product Marketing Manager at Humanetics Safety and works closely with Engineering and Sales to develop and refine content that is both useful and informative for our industry. With over two decades of experience in crash test dummy product Quality, Technical, Sales, and Marketing, Mark produces a wide range of media and publications including our service bulletins, webinars, editorial articles, and contributes to our marketing collateral.