Rolls-Royce starts work on new base

The prestigious car company has confirmed the technology and logistics centre in Bognor Regis is on target to be fully in use in early 2016.

Frank Ludwig, its director of manufacturing, said: “I am delighted that construction of our technology and logistics centre is now well underway.

“The development reflects not only the sustainable growth and ongoing success of our business but also our investment into the future of manufacturing here in West Sussex.”

The company has said it will provide further updates about the multi-million pound scheme next year.

As reported, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was granted planning permission in August by Arun District Council to create the centre on the Oldlands Farm Business Park, opposite the Southern Cross Industrial Estate, off the A29.

Ground was first broken last month and the site is being levelled in readiness for building works to start in the new year.

The 30,000sqm centre will consolidate a number of logistics functions –an inbound warehouse for production parts, a distribution centre and a workshop for car preparation. It will also allow for future expansion.

Some 200 people are expected to work at the new centre. Most will come from an existing centre in Havant. A few new jobs will be created.

The centre will be ideally situated to take advantage of the forthcoming Felpham section of the Bognor Regis northern relief road which is due to open next year.

News about the good progress was given to Arun councillors last week by the council’s economic development manager, Denise Vine.

She told the Bognor regeneration sub-committee last Wednesday the impending arrival of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was starting to have an impact on the area.

“We are also having enquiries from other landowners of other parts of that site looking to bring forward development.

“We are in very early discussions with them about that. The presence of Rolls-Royce is doing what we hoped it would. We are very excited about that,” Mrs Vine said.

She said the council was about to compile a brochure about the site’s potential to give to possible investors.

The centre is eight miles from the home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Goodwood.

Torsten Muller-Otvos, the chief executive officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said at the launch of the centre: “This is a new chapter for Rolls-Royce.

“The site in Bognor will offer us many opportunities.

“Every Rolls-Royce motor car is built at the home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and this new facility will provide the required local logistics support for our current and future models.”

Oldlands Farm has been earmarked for jobs by Arun since 2003.