LEGO completes major milestone in Chesterfield manufacturing facility development

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- On Wednesday, LEGO took one more step in completing the development of the first ever U.S. manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, LEGO held a "topping off ceremony," to celebrate the last steel beam placed on the new 1.7 million acre manufacturing facility.

The $1.5 billion dollar investment includes both the factory and regional distribution center in Prince George Count -- with the factory projected to create over 1,700 jobs and an approximate opening date of January 2027.

Attendees for the ceremony ranged from construction workers efforting the project to General Manager of LEGO manufacturing Virginia Jesus Ibanez and Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

LEGO Chesterfield County manufacturing facility topping off ceremony (Photo: Nia McMillan, 8News)

“This steel topping out marks a significant moment in our journey to build and open our new U.S. factory, bringing creativity and LEGO play closer to fans across the region. This achievement reflects the dedication of our team, partners, and local community, all working together to bring this vision to life," Ibanez said.

The final steel beam was signed by all 1,300 attendees at today's ceremony, including Youngkin. The beam was topped with a two-and-a-half-foot LEGO tree and placed on top of the facility's structure to mark the end of one phase of the project.

LEGO Chesterfield County manufacturing facility topping off ceremony (Photo: Nia McMillan, 8News)

Once the facility is complete, it will include 13 buildings across the 1.7 million acre facility which will hold office spaces, molding, processing and packing facilities and a "high-bay" automated warehouse.

As of right now 500 people are currently employed across both the manufacturing facility and the Prince George warehouse facility.

8News caught up with Ibanez for further insight on the facility and developments.

"I've been working across the globe and I've been working on different projects in completely different environments and what is different on this facility is that we will be having top technology," Ibanez said.

General Manager of LEGO manufacturing Virginia Jesus Ibanez (Photo: Nia McMillan, 8News)

Central Virginia has been home to several large projects within recent years. Recently, the Diamond District announced a $10 million funding gap for its project.

When asked about the funding for the project, here's what Ibanez shared, "in terms of funding so far we are on track with the investment."

With a facility of this magnitude under construction, energy use will be significant, however, according to the LEGO Company, the site is designed to minimize energy use from electricity and fuel use by using on-site or off-site renewable energy.

"The company is helping to revitalize parks across Chesterfield County by planting 17 species of trees native to the region as part of its commitment to minimize its environmental impact," stated LEGO.

Aside from increased job growth for Chesterfield County, Ibanez shared that "It is important for us that this facility comes to life strong."

As of right now there's no official statement on the average wage of an employee at the Chesterfield LEGO facility, or whether the number of projected employees will grow after the facility's opening in 2017.