NEW ROLLS-ROYCE EXTENSION BUILDING REACHES LANDMARK MOMENT

• Rolls-Royce celebrates landmark moment as new extension building
  declared weathertight
• Occasion marked by CEO and Board of Directors signing final wooden
  exterior louvre panel
• Initial fit-out by Technologies already underway within the building
• Some areas and equipment will be operational this year; project
  remains on schedule for completion in 2029
• 40,000 m² facility will provide increased capacity for
  Bespoke and Coachbuild operations

 

“This moment marks the point at which our new extension building
becomes fully weathertight, meaning our specialist Technologies can
begin the complex, exacting process of fitting-out, in readiness for
full operation in 2029. It’s a really pivotal point in the project –
a project that upholds the standards and vision of our founder, Sir
Henry Royce, and his famous injunction to strive for perfection in
everything we do. The Directors and I have also been inspired by his
practice of personally inspecting and signing off each new
component, giving them his own ‘seal of approval’. Having previously
signed off the final element of the structural steelwork, we wanted
to do the same for the last of the wooden louvres that now clad its
exterior. It’s enormously exciting to see the work progressing with
such pace and precision. To have that sense of personal connection
with such a significant project through these signing ceremonies is
very special for all of us.”

Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has completed a significant phase in the
construction of its extension at Goodwood, with the new building now
formally declared fully weathertight.

To mark the occasion, Chief Executive Chris Brownridge and the
Board of Directors hand-signed the final one of 1,745 wooden louvres
fitted to the side of the 40,000 m² building. The Directors
had previously signed the final steel beam to be installed in the
building’s internal structure, before it was lifted into place at the
structure’s highest point in a similar ceremony last year.

The louvres, each measuring 100 cm x 58 cm, are made from red
cedar – the same material used to clad the original building it now
adjoins. Red cedar has been selected for its longevity and the way it
gently weathers over time to a soft silver-grey colour, blending
sympathetically into the surroundings. The building’s front elevation
is also clad in red cedar panelling.

With the new building now fully weather-tight, work can commence
on the fit-out by Rolls-Royce’s specialist Technologies. One of the
most significant projects is the new Surface Finish Centre, or paint
shop; other departments will be busy with installing new equipment and
creating dedicated areas for Bespoke and Coachbuild commissions.

At £300m+, the extension represents the largest single
investment in the Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since it opened in
2003. It will further strengthen Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars’ contribution
to the UK economy, which currently stands at over £500m annually.