European sports car company picks Danville for new facility

Aug 27, 2024 at 10:17 PM
Transforming the Automotive Landscape: RBW EV Cars Drives Toward a Sustainable Future at Cane Creek CentreCane Creek Centre, a thriving industrial hub in the Danville-Pittsylvania County region, has welcomed yet another global player to its ranks – RBW EV Cars, a pioneering UK-based manufacturer of hand-built, electric classic sports cars. This strategic move not only bolsters the area's reputation as a magnet for international businesses but also highlights the region's unwavering commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce and fostering innovative industries.

Powering the Future of Sustainable Mobility

Electrifying the Classic Car Segment

RBW EV Cars, the UK's sole producer of hand-crafted, all-electric classic sports cars, has set its sights on the Danville-Pittsylvania County region, investing a staggering $8 million into a new facility at Cane Creek Centre. This move not only solidifies the company's footprint in the United States but also signifies its dedication to revolutionizing the automotive landscape by seamlessly blending the timeless charm of classic cars with the cutting-edge technology of electric powertrains.The decision to establish their U.S. corporate office in this region was not taken lightly. Peter Swain, the CEO of RBW EV Cars, emphasized that the company's primary considerations extended far beyond the financial aspects, highlighting the importance of "a meeting of minds, a meeting of cultures, and a meeting of quality." This holistic approach to business reflects the company's desire to find a synergistic partnership that aligns with their core values and vision.

Tapping into the Region's Talent Pool

One of the key factors that drew RBW EV Cars to Cane Creek Centre was the area's strong workforce pipeline and comprehensive education programs. Swain noted that "education, especially in EV and training of our workforce, was essential" to the company's decision-making process. The region's commitment to nurturing a skilled and future-ready workforce, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing, proved to be a major selling point.The company's investment of $8 million and the creation of 144 new jobs further solidifies the Danville-Pittsylvania County region's position as a hub for innovative and sustainable industries. This influx of talent and expertise will not only bolster the local economy but also contribute to the ongoing evolution of the automotive sector, driving the transition towards a more environmentally conscious and technologically advanced future.

Building a Transatlantic Bridge

RBW EV Cars' decision to establish its U.S. corporate office in Cane Creek Centre is a testament to the region's global appeal and its ability to attract international businesses. Swain acknowledged the company's consideration of various locations across the country, including Texas and other states, before ultimately selecting the Danville-Pittsylvania County region as the ideal fit.This transatlantic collaboration represents a unique opportunity for the local community to engage with a global player and learn from its expertise, while also providing RBW EV Cars with the chance to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit and skilled workforce that the region is renowned for. The synergy between the UK-based company and the American talent pool is poised to drive innovative solutions and further propel the automotive industry towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Revitalizing the Local Economy

The arrival of RBW EV Cars at Cane Creek Centre not only signifies the region's growing prominence as a hub for cutting-edge industries but also promises to reinvigorate the local economy. The $8 million investment and the creation of 144 new jobs will have a ripple effect, generating additional economic opportunities and attracting further investment in the area.Moreover, the company's commitment to producing its first left-hand drive RBW EV Roadster and GT models for the American market underscores the region's potential as a strategic manufacturing base. This strategic move aligns with the company's vision of "being close to our markets" and "working to have a US built base for our British design vehicles," further strengthening the region's reputation as a desirable location for global businesses.The Danville-Pittsylvania County region's ability to secure the investment and operations of RBW EV Cars is a testament to the area's strong infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and the collaborative efforts of local authorities and economic development organizations. This milestone achievement serves as a harbinger of the region's promising future as a hub for cutting-edge industries and sustainable mobility solutions.