Power Test Dynamometer and SuperFlow Join Forces

Power Test and SuperFlow Join Forces!

On September 20th, Power Test Inc., a dynamometer and custom test stand manufacturer, completed the transaction to acquire SuperFlow Technologies/Hicklin Engineering. Power Test CEO Alan Petelinsek will be working closely with former owner and now General Manager Scott Giles in Des Moines, IA, along with Division Manager Dave Arsenault in Colorado Springs, CO, to integrate best practices between the companies, share resources, and build upon the tremendous engineering and manufacturing synergies between these industry leaders. The combined dynamometer experience of these three men alone exceeds 120 years, and a multitude of economic cycles.

Text by Super Flow // Power Test


Power Test’s recipe for success …“We Make It Better; For our customers, our employees and the community” will be nationalized as the company expands operations to three locations, totaling more than 100 employees and 130,000 square feet. “Now with our combined strength, we can ensure continued job creation and exciting advancement opportunities for our people,” said Pat Koppa, Power Test President. “Our great employees are vital to fuel our growth and support our ever-increasing worldwide customer base.”

Power Test, of Sussex, WI was founded in 1976 and specializes in heavy duty engine and chassis dynamometers designed principally for the diesel-powered equipment industry. Power Test’s Engineered Solutions Division builds upon the company’s engineering, manufacturing and control expertise to provide custom test stands for the hydraulic component and power train industries.

In 2002, Power Test acquired Stuska Dynamometer, a 55 year old dynamometer company that specializes in the performance racing world.  In 2006, Power Test also acquired Aidco transmission testing equipment and hydraulic tests stands, and has since expanded the business significantly. Aidco was founded in the early 1960’s as Go-Corp.

The current addition of SuperFlow Technologies adds several distinct product groups to the portfolio.

  • Hicklin Inc., a 45 year old heavy duty transmission test stand innovator
  • SuperFlow Dynamometers, a 45 year old industry leader in flow benches and engine and chassis dynamometers that include the DTS product line founded by Dave Arsenault
  • Axiline Precision Products, a 60 year old automotive transmission test stand leader
  • TCRS-Torque Converter Rebuild Systems, a 30 year old business specializing in automotive torque converter rebuilding and testing

The combined product groups of Power Test now span the spectrum from single cylinder gas engine- powered vehicles and equipment through diesel- and gaseous-fueled equipment, vehicles, and vessels producing up to 10,000 horsepower.  The combined competencies include water brake, eddy current, hydrostatic and AC resistive and regenerative systems. Each of these business units have vast experience in supplying and supporting their products to a global market.

“This is an exciting time for the industry as we boomers figure out how to transition our businesses and families through the next generations, and continue to provide these vital products to the market. We have been very blessed with dedicated and enthusiastic employees to make this transition possible,” says Alan Petelinsek. Petelinsek succeeded his father and Power Test’s founder John Petelinsek as president in 1999.  He appointed Power Test’s current president, Pat Koppa, in 2013.