News Summary
Lego celebrated a major milestone with a topping-out ceremony for its new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield, Virginia. The 1.7 million-square-foot factory, set to open in 2027, will be Lego’s second in North America. The project aims to improve supply chain efficiency and create over 1,760 jobs while aligning with local economic development goals. With a significant investment of $1 billion, the facility will include various operational buildings and contribute positively to the region’s economy.
Chesterfield, Virginia — Lego Topping-Out Ceremony Marks Major Milestone for New Factory
Lego has officially reached a significant milestone in its plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield, Virginia, with a topping-out ceremony held on-site. The event, attended by approximately 1,300 guests, celebrated the placement of the final structural element on the factory’s main building, signaling that construction is well underway for the facility expected to open in 2027.
Details of the New Lego Factory
The new 1.7 million-square-foot factory is situated in the Meadowville Technology Park and is set to become Lego’s second manufacturing plant in North America, complementing the existing facility in Monterrey, Mexico. The project involves a comprehensive development of 13 buildings, encompassing molding, processing, packaging facilities, an automated warehouse, and office spaces, representing a total investment of approximately $1 billion.
Significance and Economic Impact
The facility aims to streamline Lego’s supply chain for U.S. markets, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact from long-distance shipping. Lego’s general manager for Virginia, Jesus Ibañez, highlighted the environmental and operational benefits of the new plant. The project anticipates the creation of over 1,760 jobs over ten years, with more than 500 workers currently employed at a temporary location in Chesterfield.
Community and Government Support
The development has garnered support from various local and state agencies, including Chesterfield Economic Development and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. The project qualifies for a $56 million performance grant from the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission, which will be contingent on employment and investment milestones.
Construction and Partners
The current construction phase is about 35% complete, with the general contractor being Gray|Hourigan, a joint venture of Richmond-based Hourigan and Kentucky-based Gray. Danish firms COWI and Arkitema Architects contributed to the project’s master planning and design, ensuring modern, sustainable facility standards.
Future Operations and Additional Investments
Once operational, the Chesterfield plant will produce Lego products for the U.S. market directly, fostering job growth and economic activity in the region. Employees working at the temporary packaging facility located at 1600 Ruffin Mill Road are expected to transition to the new factory upon its opening.
Beyond the factory, Lego has announced plans for a $366 million warehouse and distribution center in Prince George, Virginia, as well as a retail Lego Store at Short Pump Town Center in Henrico, expanding its retail footprint in the region.
Government Remarks and Regional Outlook
Virginia’s Governor, Glenn Youngkin, emphasized the importance of the project, citing its potential to bolster the state’s economy and foster a culture of creativity. He also highlighted the significance of being able to produce and ship Lego products marked “Made in Virginia”.
Conclusion
The successful topping-out ceremony indicates that construction on the new Lego factory is progressing steadily toward its scheduled 2027 opening. Once completed, the facility is expected to significantly influence regional employment and manufacturing capacity, positioning Lego as a major player in the American toy industry and supply chain logistics.
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Additional Resources
- Richmond BizSense
- Wikipedia: Chesterfield County, Virginia
- WRIC
- Google Search: Lego factory Chesterfield Virginia
- Virginia Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing
- 12 On Your Side
- Google News: Lego Chesterfield factory
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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
