(Danville) — A British company will open their first American manufacturing plant just outside of Danville.
Governor Glenn Youngkin Thursday announced that RBW Sports & Classics, the UK’s only maker of hand-built electric classic sports cars, will invest $8 million to open a manufacturing facility at Cane Creek Centre. That’s an industrial park jointly owned by Danville and Pittsylvania County.
“Today’s announcement is a milestone moment for Danville and Pittsylvania County,” said Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones. “RBW Sports and Classics’ choice to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility here highlights the strength of our workforce and the appeal of our region. This investment brings valuable new jobs to our community and introduces us to the exciting and evolving world of electric vehicle manufacturing. We are pleased to welcome RBW and look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create.”
RBW plans to create 144 new jobs at thew facility. The local factory will make EV Roadsters and GT models for the U.S. market. They are already selling in Europe, Asia and Bermuda.
“We are excited that RBW Sports and Classics has selected our region for manufacturing their first left-hand drive electric classic sports cars for the U.S. market,” said Delegate Danny Marshall. “They have put together a great blend of classic cars with modern technology. We appreciate the economic boost of 144 new jobs for the community. And, as a car enthusiast, I know there will be much excitement as these sports cars roll out of the manufacturing facility at Cane Creek.”
RBW was founded in 2017, creating and selling the first classic electric sports car. They delivered their first cars in 2022 and opened their first UK factory last year.
“Pittsylvania County continues to grow and expand as new businesses and industries establish their facilities here and we are delighted to now welcome RBW Sports & Classics to our community,” said Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Darrell Dalton. “RBW will bring technology-focused jobs to this region and provide our young people with another opportunity to thrive within their home communities. We thank RBW for its decision to bring its innovative and unique product to Southside Virginia and we believe the company will be a great asset to the county and beyond.”
RBW’s patented EV architecture and systems can be installed under other body shells such as the Ford Mustang, Austin Healey, Jaguars, and more.
“RBW is a wonderful addition to everything that Pittsylvania County and the region has to offer, and the international flavor that it brings is especially exciting,” said Tunstall District Supervisor and Chairman of the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facilities Authority Vic Ingram. “It is encouraging when companies from all over the world want to establish a corporate relationship with Pittsylvania County and we are thrilled to welcome RBW to our community. We look forward to establishing a long and prosperous relationship with RBW and wish the company future success as it embarks on its new investment in Southside Virginia.”
Governor Youngkin approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to help Danville-Pittsylvania County land the project.
“Entrepreneurial, innovative companies like RBW Sports & Classics are helping put Virginia on the map for cutting-edge industry and jobs,” said Governor Youngkin. “The talented workforce in the region is a perfect fit for RBW Sports & Classics’ plans. The company’s decision to invest in Virginia reflects the strength of our manufacturing sector, the skill of our workers, the quality of life in the Commonwealth, and the strength of our business climate.”