Rolls-Royce resumes pre-lockdown factory production levels

Production at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Goodwood, West Sussex has resumed to pre-lockdown levels with its workforce maintained.

The car manufacturer has reverted back to two-shift production at the factory four months after reopening as business confidence grows on the back of the launch of the new Ghost.

Ghost is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever created and a successor to the previous model, which became the best-selling car in the company’s history.

The Rolls-Royce workforce has been maintained and all manufacturing staff are now on site. Strict health, safety and hygiene measures remain in place, in line with the latest official guidance.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive officer at Rolls-Royce, said: “Returning to full two-shift production is a major milestone and comes just four months after we became the first UK automotive company to restart manufacturing after lockdown. It reflects the long-term strength and resilience of our business and the significant worldwide demand for our products, which have been boosted further by the recent launch of our new Ghost.”

Demand for all Rolls-Royce models continues to develop across markets worldwide, particularly those where the Covid peak has passed.

When the nationwide lockdown was first introduced, Rolls-Royce suspended production to protect its employees, suppliers and their families.

On 4^th May, it became the first UK automotive manufacturer to reopen, operating a single shift with office-based colleagues working from home wherever practicable. Customer handover ceremonies, with appropriate social distancing, resumed in early June.

Mr Müller-Ötvös added: “Throughout Rolls-Royce there is a renewed sense of energy, enthusiasm and optimism. This gives me great confidence for our future; I also believe it sends enormously positive signals to our local community, our industry and the country as a whole. I wish to thank my entire team for their determination and commitment, which has enabled us to reach this point so rapidly. That we’ve done so while keeping everyone safe underlines the fact that Rolls‑Royce is a family, in which we all look out for one another. I’m particularly delighted that we’ve maintained our workforce. Our people and the skills and talents they bring to our business are fundamental to our success and make Rolls-Royce the most dynamic, fascinating and exciting company in the world.”

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com