Bentley Motors has announced its Crewe site is to become the new centre of excellence for all Volkswagen Group W12 engine production.
The move, which will result in the creation of 100 new jobs, will be the first time engines have been exported from the Crewe facility, where the automotive has had a presence for over 90 years.
Currently some 5,000 engines are manufactured in Crewe, with a remaining few thousand made in Salzgitter in Germany.
After a record 2013 for sales which saw the delivery of 10,120 cars, Bentley has moved to enhance its status as the world’s largest producer of 12-cylinder engines.
Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “This is an important step, not just for Bentley but also for the UK manufacturing sector. This W12 centre of excellence is recognition of the long standing engine manufacturing expertise we have that has resulted in performance improvements across the model ranges over recent years.
“The production of this advanced engine and its future generations will bring new technologies and skills to Crewe.”
Business secretary Vince Cable added: “With more than four out of every five cars made in the UK exported to the rest of the world, the news that Bentley will now export engines as well is another feather in their cap.
“The Government’s Industrial Strategy is supporting world-class companies like Bentley to create highly skilled long term jobs and promote exports.”
