Mercedes secures planning permission to expand Brackley factory

  • Published on 09 Jan 2018 15:13
  • 3
  • By: Fergal Walsh

The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 has succeeded in its application for planning permission to expand its factory in Brackley. The permission has been passed by the South Northamptonshire Council to allow the German squad to increase its investment in the sport.

Chairman Councillor Rebecca Breese gave the all clear for the build work to go ahead, with expansions planned for the main reception building and wind tunnel building. The permission follows a previous proposal to build a multi-storey car park.

Mercedes has competed as a constructor in F1 since 2010, when it ended its 55-year absence (Mercedes returned as an engine supplier in 1994). It took over the Brawn GP team and it has since won four world driver and constructor titles. 

Now it looks to expand its factory and make its base stronger: "This proposal is a modest addition to their overall floor space, but will give them more storage, flexible workspace and will let them tidy up their bin area," Councillor Breese said. "Mercedes are showing a long-term commitment to Brackley and, if their proposals are right for the district, we will continue to do whatever we can to support them."

 

Fergal Walsh

Replies (3)

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  • Moves like this make me question the authenticity of the Mercedes pull out threats.

    • + 0
    • Jan 9 2018 - 16:19
  • reg

    Posts: 162

    They are clearly expanding in the UK because of Brexit??? That's why this success has not been mentioned on BBC.

    • + 0
    • Jan 9 2018 - 17:53
    • Pauli

      Posts: 140

      They expand in UK because there is existing expertise in field of F1 engineering. It is much easier to transfers such a specialist knowledge from existing operation to young new employees than building completely new base of operation in other country. Brexit is much more likely to affect industries where they need parts and materials to cross UK borders. Example would be aircraft manufacturing. But even that could be secured if exit negotiations produce customs rules that don't add any costs for Airbus. But in long term brexit can have many economic effects both direction. That all depend on how quickly and how good trade deals UK manages to negotiate.

      • + 1
      • Jan 10 2018 - 13:44

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