Jaguar Land Rover to build giant steel-framed factory

Car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover [JLR] has announced plans to build a new engine factory at the i54 development on the outskirts of Wolverhampton.

The large 11m-high, L-shaped factory building designed by Associated Architects will almost double the size of the company’s existing plant.

Construction of the 83,600m² steel-framed factory will take 18 months and employ up to 500 workers.

JLR CEO Ralf Speth said: “We are proud to be such a significant investor in advanced manufacturing in Britain and are excited by this expansion and the new jobs it will create.

“The Engine Manufacturing Centre is a strategically significant facility for Jaguar Land Rover.

“The decision to expand our operations at the site provides a clear signal of our commitment to meeting customer demand for cleaner and more efficient engines, whilst developing the skills and capability that Britain needs if it is to remain globally competitive.”

A steelwork contractor for the project has yet to be officially named.