The Rolls-Royce brand has been in existence since 1906. Since then, it has built cars that take after its founder, Sir Henry Royce’s mantra: Perfection in Everything We Do. True enough, these hand-built beauties have been considered as the most luxurious automobiles on the planet.
Yet did you know that the modern-day Rolls-Royce, going by the name Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has only been around since 1998? Acquired by the BMW Group on July 28, 1998, the German carmaker purchased the rights from Rolls-Royce PLC. It then set to out to find a suitable location to construct the new Home of Rolls-Royce, a place where the world’s most luxurious motor car would be created.
Fast-forward to January 1, 2003 and the first Rolls-Royce under the BMW Group rolls out of the Goodwood factory in West Sussex. While the plant is located in a quaint English setting, it is both modern and historic at the same time. Modern, in the sense that it is situated close to London Heathrow, as well as the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth. Goodwood Circuit and Goodwood Racecourse are likewise close by, making for accessible proving grounds. As for that bit of history, the town of West Wittering is very close. In case you were unaware, this little village is where Rolls-Royce founder Sir Henry Royce resided from 1917 to 1933.
Designed by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, the plant is very much in tune with the times, specifically when it comes to environmental impact. It uses a host of recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible, minimizes lighting requirements, and even employs green manufacturing processes. Yes, Rolls-Royce motor cars may be known for having such luxuries as leather and wood, yet whatever isn’t used is utilized in the clothing and footwear industries. In short, nothing goes to waste.
From a 200-strong workforce producing just one model a day, the Rolls-Royce Phantom, in 2003, the Home of Rolls-Royce has grown to employ more than 1,700 designers, builders, and craftspeople who lovingly create masterpieces such as the Ghost, Wraith, Dawn, and the original Phantom. In 2013, just ten years after it opened its doors, the Goodwood Home has expanded, giving more space for Bespoke and other special departments. After all, Goodwood is where each and every Rolls-Royce is born. Plus, it is likewise the place where many owners choose to personally take delivery of their pride and joy. It does, after all, make the entire Rolls-Royce ownership experience more unique.
With Rolls-Royce looking to the future, the marque has recently opened its new Technology and Logistics Center in Bognor Regis, a few kilometers away from the Goodwood Home. This is where future planning, as well as support for the production facility is be housed. This essentially involves having an inbound warehouse for parts, a distribution center, and a workshop. Both the facilities are designed to provide the ultimate Rolls-Royce experience for today and in the years to come.
