BMW-owned Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today confirmed development plans for its Goodwood headquarters and manufacturing facility.
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With the design for the first of a new model series approved, preparations are underway for enhanced production facilities.
The internal remodeling of the plant will begin in late 2007.
The company says that the purpose-built, flexible nature of the manufacturing plant will allow expansion to take place within the existing footprint of the building.
The most visible change will be the addition of a second assembly line in 2008. The two lines will run simultaneously, one producing the existing Phantom models and the other building the new model series.
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By GlobalDataA second working shift will be introduced in 2009.
The additional line will require the relocation of some departments, including the leather shop, which will be repositioned on a new mezzanine level constructed over the existing production area. Both the wood and leather shops will undergo significant expansion, allowing for the installation of new equipment, including new and highly advanced technology and an automated wood lacquering system.
Paint facilities are being expanded and developed and 24 hour working introduced for some specialist areas. A new handling system for the bodies and new paint application technology will be installed.
Expansion of the workforce by several hundred at Goodwood has already begun and will continue over the next two years, predominantly in the production and manufacturing support areas of the business.
Sales growth is expected to continue with last week’s announcement that Rolls-Royce will build a series version of the two-door, four-seat experimental car, 101EX. Production of the new coupé is scheduled to begin next summer, with the launch later in 2008.
A smaller model is set to be added at the turn of the decade.
Speaking at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson, said, “I am delighted to announce the development plans for the Rolls-Royce manufacturing plant at Goodwood. These significant changes will ensure that we meet the challenge of exceptional customer demand and that we are ready for the launch of our exciting new model series.” He continued, “Asia Pacific continues to be an important region for Rolls-Royce, with sales up more than 40 per cent than the same period last year.”
