LEGO to spend $1 billion on first US factory

CHESTERFIELD, Va. — World-wide toy maker the LEGO Group programs to commit additional than $1 billion to build a factory in suburban Richmond, Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin introduced Wednesday.

The manufacturing unit, anticipated to open up in 2025, will feature a carbon-neutral design and style and will hire extra than 1,760 folks, in accordance to a news launch.

“The LEGO Group’s selection to create its U.S. producing plant in Virginia shines a world wide highlight on the pros that make the Commonwealth the best business site in the nation, and we glimpse forward to a lengthy and profitable partnership with this iconic firm,” Youngkin claimed in a assertion.

The Virginia manufacturing facility will be the LEGO Group’s seventh manufacturing facility globally and the 2nd in the Americas, becoming a member of a website in Mexico, according to a organization information release. The 1.7 million-square-foot Virginia facility will mildew, course of action and pack LEGO solutions and guarantee they meet up with the company’s security and top quality specifications.

It will be found in a publicly owned industrial park in Chesterfield County, about 20 miles south of Richmond near Interstate 95. All of its working day-to-day electricity requirements will be matched by renewable strength produced by an onsite solar park, the corporation pledged.

“We have been impressed with all that Virginia has to give, from access to a proficient workforce, support for higher-excellent manufacturers, and terrific transportation back links,” Niels Christiansen, CEO of the spouse and children-owned corporation headquartered in Billund, Denmark, stated in a statement. “We appreciate assist for our ambition to establish a carbon-neutral operate facility and construct a photo voltaic park and are seeking forward to building a good workforce.”

The organization will be qualified for a assortment of taxpayer-funded incentives, which includes a functionality-dependent grant of $56 million and internet site progress enhancements subject matter to legislative acceptance estimated to price tag up to $19 million, a news release said.

Building is expected to commence this fall and a temporary packaging website will open in an existing making close by in early 2024, generating up to 500 careers, according to the company’s information release.

— The Involved Push