Andrew Griffith MP (Arundel and South Downs) visited Rolls Royce Motors in Goodwood on Friday (24th) to meet the CEO Chris Brownridge, and to tour the manufacturing factory.
Andrew Griffith, as well as being the constituency MP for many of the employees at the site, is the Shadow Secretary of State for Business & Trade, received an update from Chris Brownridge on the future plans of Rolls Royce’s manufacturing operations at Goodwood. Chris joined Rolls Royce in December 2024 and was previously CEO for BMW UK. The company has just announced a £300 million investment to extend its Goodwood facility that has been driven by demand for bespoke upgrades, after the company recorded its third-highest annual sales in 2024.
Rolls Royce is a major local employer having grown significantly from 300 employees at Goodwood to more than 2,500. They run a successful Apprentice Programme for those aged 16 and upwards, with applications now open until 2nd March for the 2025 intake – (see the Rolls Royce Motors Cars careers portal online). Rolls Royce are seeking young people who are interested in commercial roles as well as craft and manufacturing, and the company is recognised as one of the best places in the world to pursue an interest in engineering and technology.
This year also marks a special Anniversary in the Rolls Royce Motor Car calendar. It is 100 years since the production of the first Phantom model, the marque’s flagship model, and it continues to be a popular choice of vehicle for their discerning clients.
Andrew was given a tour of the Rolls Royce production plant by head engineer Gunther Boehner, Director of Manufacturing, to see the unique process of building their vehicles.
Following the visit, Andrew Griffith said:
“It was a privilege to visit the home of Rolls Royce and to see just why this top marque car builder is a leader in British manufacturing and creating a growing number of jobs and opportunities. Their engineering and technology teams are developing the very best vehicles, including electric vehicles, which meet the rigorous demands of their discerning clients. Rolls Royce has a long tradition of craft and engineering, and it was good to see how this is evolving at Goodwood.”
