BOGNOR Regis MP Nick Gibb has visited Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ technology and logistics centre located in his constituency.

During the visit Mr Gibb toured the facility, met the expert team onsite and was briefed on the company’s future plans to expand the centre.

He also took the opportunity to learn more about the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars apprenticeship, graduate and intern programmes.

Mr Gibb said: “The original announcement that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars would be locating its technology and logistics centre in Bognor Regis was a great boost for our town and warmly welcomed.

“I am delighted to see the huge new state of the art facilities fully operational and providing high quality jobs for local people.

“The support of such a prestigious company is good news for Bognor Regis and for the wider local economy.

“It is very welcome that Rolls-Royce operates an apprenticeship scheme, ensuring the company has the skills it needs for the future and providing opportunities and training for a cohort of young people every year.

“This year Rolls-Royce is taking on record numbers of apprentices.”

The new Rolls-Royce Technology and Logistics Centre at Bognor Regis opened, on schedule, in January 2016.

The purpose-built 30,000m2 facility is located close to the company’s head office and manufacturing plant at Goodwood.

It was built due to expansion from its Westhampnett factory with the new building in Shripney, located on the Oldlands Farm Business Park just outside Bognor Regis.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive officer, said at the time: “This considerable investment reflects the ongoing success of our business and demonstrates our full commitment to building our future here in West Sussex.

“Rolls-Royce Motor Cars makes a significant positive impact on the local economy and our business is a British luxury manufacturing success.”

The new building provides logistics support to the company’s manufacturing plant and head office at Westhampnett for current and future models.

It also consolidate three current operations: an inbound warehouse for production parts, a distribution centre – including an inbound body store and finished car store – and a workshop.

The company described the new plant development as ‘putting the Regis back into Bognor Regis’.

The Goodwood plant serves as the headquarters, design, manufacturing and assembly centre for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Officially opened for business on 1 January 2003, the plant has been expanded twice since and now covers 22,500 square metres.

The plant reached a record production figure of 15 cars per day in June 2010.

Its 2015 sales were the second-highest ever recorded in its 112-year history.

A total of 3,785 hand-built motor cars were commissioned by customers worldwide. Sustained demand across the globe and a commitment to investing in future British manufacturing talent led to 100 new jobs.