LEGO Manufacturing Virginia Reaches Major Construction Milestone

The LEGO Group’s U.S. factory site marked a major construction milestone with the placement of the final steel beam on the main production building’s frame. The symbolic ‘topping out’ moment signals the start of the next phase of construction for the state-of-the-art facility, which remains on track to begin production in 2027.

Jesus Ibañez, General Manager of LEGO Manufacturing Virginia, said:

“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.”

Top Virginia state officials, Chesterfield County representatives, project leaders, local partners, LEGO employees and construction crews gathered on-site to mark the completion of the frame. In keeping with tradition, the final steel beam was signed by all 1,300 attendees before it was raised into place, topped with a symbolic 2.5-foot LEGO brick tree, a playful twist on the customary construction milestone evergreen.

Also present at the celebration was Gray|Hourigan, the project’s general contractor which is responsible for delivering the new site. The joint venture between Gray and Richmond, Virginia-based Hourigan brings significant expertise in sustainable and innovative industrial facility design and construction, and a strong commitment to creating positive community impact.

When complete, the site will include 13 buildings covering more than 1.7 million square feet (160,000 m²), with office spaces, molding, processing and packing facilities, and a high-bay automated warehouse. Production has been in operation at a temporary packing facility since 2023 and continues to support U.S. demand as construction progresses. More than 500 team members are currently employed across both locations, a number which will grow to more than 1,700 over the course of ten years.

The site is designed to minimize energy use, in line with the company’s overall sustainability ambitions of reducing absolute global carbon emissions by 37% by 2032, compared to 2019 levels. The new facility aims to reduce emissions from electricity and fuel use (scope 1 and 2) using on-site or off-site renewable energy. Furthermore, 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.

LEGO Manufacturing Virginia partners with local organizations to deliver learning-through-play opportunities in Chesterfield County and the Greater Richmond area. In 2025, the company provided six grants to local partners, supporting programs that will reach nearly 400,000 children through hands-on learning and play experiences.

The factory will be the LEGO Group’s seventh manufacturing site worldwide and second in the Americas. The company is also preparing to open a new regional distribution center in Virginia in 2027 to complement the factory and North American supply chains.