Elinor Coatings Expands in North Dakota, Launching New Aurora Center for Extreme Weather Materials Testing Facilities to Serve North America and Beyond

August 25, 2025 – Fargo, ND – Elinor Coatings, a specialized materials science and corrosion testing company, last Monday, August 18, 2025, celebrated the grand opening of two additional state-of-the-art laboratories and expanded outdoor exposure sites in North Dakota dedicated to the growth of Aurora Center for Extreme Weather Materials.

This expansion strengthens the company’s position as a premier North American center of excellence for extreme weather testing and innovation, serving clients across agriculture, energy, aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.

With roots in coatings research dating back to 2006, Elinor Coatings is committed to advancing chromate- and hazardous air pollutant (HAPS)-free aerospace coatings, aligning innovation with environmental safety. The company maintains longstanding contracts with federal research labs on advanced coatings and cold weather materials development.

Upon receiving ASTM International ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, Elinor Coatings will offer certified testing for non-government clients through Aurora.

The new labs currently employ five full-time lab technicians and multiple interns, with plans to hire additional staff and leadership roles dedicated to the Center in the coming months, including a director, a quality-control engineer, lab manager and exposure site manager with experience in ASTM-certified corrosion and exposure materials testing. The facility leverages North Dakota’s unique climate, combining rigorous laboratory testing with outdoor exposure that simulates some of the most challenging environmental conditions in the world.

“This expansion marks a major milestone for our company and for the state,” said Holly Anderson, CEO of Elinor Coatings. “We are uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive testing solutions that help manufacturers, engineers, and researchers develop products that can withstand extreme heat, cold, wind, humidity, and corrosive environments. Our expertise and can-do spirit reflect the resilience of North Dakota.”

A key feature of the expanded site is its outdoor exposure racks, complementing three years of testing at Elinor’s environmental exposure site in Tampa, Florida, thus providing a wide range of environmental conditions for thorough evaluation. The company’s deep roots trace back to North Dakota State University’s coatings research department, reinforcing a tradition of innovation and technical excellence.

In a significant boost to its research efforts, Elinor Coatings was recently awarded an $11 million federal contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to conduct advanced studies on cold weather materials and coatings used in extreme cold environments critical to defense operations.

U.S. Senator John Hoeven commented, ‘This contract not only highlights North Dakota’s growing expertise in cold weather research but also strengthens our nation’s defense capabilities. I am proud to support initiatives that bring high-tech jobs and cutting-edge innovation to our state.’”

North Dakota’s leadership supports the lab’s mission, including backing from programs such as the ND Department of Commerce LIFT loan initiative and financing assistance through the Bank of North Dakota. The company’s workforce reflects a diverse and growing sector, with employees and interns representing six U.S. states and eight countries.

The expanded facilities also position North Dakota as a national leader in extreme weather readiness, underscored by the state hosting the annual Cold Readiness Summit in Fargo, which convenes experts from academia, industry, and government to enhance cold and arctic operational preparedness.

About Aurora Center for Extreme Weather Materials (ACEWM): Aurora Center for Extreme Weather Materials (ACEWM Labs) specializes in materials and corrosion testing with a focus on extreme weather conditions. Offering ASTM-certified lab testing, outdoor exposure sites, and expert consulting, the company serves a broad range of industries from agriculture and energy to aerospace and defense. Founded with roots at North Dakota State University, ACEWM combines academic expertise with real-world experience. www.elinorcoatings.com/aurora 

About Elinor Coatings: Elinor Coatings specializes in advanced materials and coatings that combat corrosion, degradation, and fouling, with capabilities extending to our Aurora Center for Extreme Weather Materials, a specialized division dedicated to providing ASTM testing for assets designed to perform in severe weather. The company's chromate-free solutions are designed to protect critical infrastructure and natural resources, leveraging expertise in materials science to meet diverse industry needs. Elinor Coatings also performs custom research and development and coatings and corrosion testing and analysis for the Department of Defense and industry. www.elinorcoatings.com