The Lego Group expects construction to begin later this year and full production to commence in 2027 to help meet consumer demand in the US.
The Lego Group
has announced it has appointed a permanent programme lead and general contractor as it advances work on its more than US $1b manufacturing site in Chesterfield County, near Richmond, Virginia.
Preben Elnef will assume programme leadership from April 2024, responsible for all aspects of the project including the factory’s construction and opening, after working in Vietnam on the construction of Lego’s second new factory, which is scheduled to begin production in 2025.
The company also announced it has engaged Gray|Hourigan for general contracting services.
The appointment of a general contractor marks a significant milestone for the programme. Since breaking ground in spring 2023, Lego has opened a temporary packing facility in Virginia where it employs over 200 people. The external packing site opened ahead of schedule and plays an important role in meeting consumer demand in the US.
The company expects construction of the factory buildings to begin later this year and full production to commence in 2027, around 12 months later than originally planned. Lego said this would help its target of creating over 1,760 jobs over the next ten years.
Carsten Rasmussen, chief Operations officer, said: “We are pleased with the progress we’re making with our investment in Virginia and grateful for the continued support from the local community. We are excited Preben has agreed to become the programme leader, where the team will benefit from his recent experience establishing our presence in Vietnam and building our second new factory. We are looking forward to partnering with Gray|Hourigan to commence construction work and retain the good momentum we’re seeing across the site.”
Preben Elnef added: “This is a step towards operating more sustainably, as we’re building a site designed to minimize energy use. I look forward to continuing our important partnerships in the local community to bring play to more children.”
The Lego Group has had a presence in the US since its American entity, Lego Systems Inc., was established in 1973. The company employs more than 3,000 people in the region and operates over 100 Lego stores across the US, including four in Virginia and a flagship store on 5th Ave, New York.
