LEGO appoints key leader, general contractor for $1B+ Virginia factory

by arslan_ahmed | March 1, 2024 10:00 am

LEGO and general contractors pose by the LEGO model of the factory. The design plan is placed on top of the glass box displaying the LEGO model.[1]
Preben Elnef, Gray|Hourigan representatives, and other LEGO representatives look at the plan of the site placed over a LEGO model of the factory site.Photo courtesy

The LEGO Group recently appointed the program leader and general contractor to manage the construction of its more than $1 billion manufacturing site project in Richmond.

Preben Elnef, with a decade of experience at LEGO, and currently working as the LEGO Group’s vice-president of workplace solutions and operations, will take over as the lead for the LEGO Manufacturing Richmond Program in April 2024, overseeing the entire project, including factory construction. Having successfully managed the company’s Vietnam business, Elnef brings expertise in large-scale investment projects, engineering, supply chain, and facilities management.

Gray|Hourigan, a joint venture (JV) known for sustainable industrial facility design, has been selected as the general contractor. The JV will oversee deep foundation and site preparation works this year. The company has made notable progress since breaking ground in spring 2023, opening a temporary packing facility ahead of schedule to meet rising consumer demand.

LEGO representatives pose with general contractor representatives, with the new manufacturing plant's site in the background.[2]
From left: Phil Seale, EVP strategic project development, Gray, Inc.; Mercedes Moore, senior procurement and contracts manager, the LEGO Group; Bryan Jones, president of construction, Hourigan; Rebekah Gray, project executive, Gray Construction, Inc.; Preben Elnef, vice-president and program lead, the LEGO Group; Michael Henley, vice-president of Central Virginia, Hourigan.Photos ©2024 The LEGO Group

Despite a slight delay, construction of the factory buildings is anticipated to commence later this year, with full production expected in 2027.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-LEGO-GroupGray-Hourigan-Review-Plans-3-web.jpg
  2. [Image]: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-LEGO-GroupGray-Hourigan-Project-Sign-Team-Photo-web.jpg

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