Lotus is creating a new sub-assembly plant in Norwich to produce aluminium components for its own Evora, Exige and Elise vehicles and for other global car makers
The 12,300 m2 Hurricane Way factory will be converted to a new high tech sub-assembly facility to house manufacturing of aluminium extruded and bonded aluminium components. The facility will also house the steel welding and fabrication of sub-frames, suspension components and other key parts for Lotus cars.
As Lotus Cars’ expansion continues under new ownership since 2017, the company has outgrown existing facilities in Worcester and Norwich, and by moving into one, combined new location, the company will take the opportunity to further upgrade machinery and tooling in readiness for new Lotus sportscars to be launched in the coming years.
David Hewitt, Executive Director of Operations, Lotus Cars said: “By bringing the aluminium chassis and steel sub-assembly manufacturing businesses together into one facility, we can further improve upon efficiencies and productivity for Lotus manufacturing. Being located close to Lotus’ HQ in Hethel, Norfolk where all Lotus cars are assembled, will also benefit the business as we expand further into the future.”
Lotus Lightweight Structures’ current facility in Worcester will be re-purposed by the freeholder and Lotus will relocate from the facility in May 2021. Worcestershire-based staff will be offered the opportunity to continue their roles in Norwich, where the company is recruiting for both the new Hurricane Way facility and Hethel HQ.