Preben Elnef will assume program leadership from April 2024 and will be responsible for all aspects of the project, including the factory’s construction and opening. He takes on this new role after three years with the company’s Vietnam business, where he established an operating unit and oversaw the construction of the company’s second new factory, which is scheduled to begin production in 2025.
Elnef has worked for the LEGO Group for the past 10 years and brings extensive experience leading large-scale investment projects and expertise in engineering, supply chain, and facilities management in both the private and public sector.
“I am excited to join the team," Elnef said. "This is an important program in support of our mission to inspire and develop kids across the Americas region for generations to come. It is also a step towards operating more sustainably, as we’re building a site designed to minimize energy use. I look forward to continuing our important partnerships in the local community to bring play to more children in Virginia.”
The company also announces it has engaged Gray|Hourigan, a joint venture between Gray and Richmond, Virginia-based Hourigan, for general contracting services. Gray|Hourigan will manage deep foundation and continued site preparation works this year to put the LEGO Group on the path toward its production start targets.
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The appointment of a general contractor marks a significant milestone for the program. Since breaking ground in spring 2023, the company initiated site readiness, continued design work, and opened a temporary packing facility in Colonial Heights, Virginia in October 2023, where it employs over 200 people. The external packing site opened ahead of schedule and plays an important role in meeting consumer demand in the United States.
The company expects construction of the factory buildings to begin later this year and full production to commence in 2027, around 12 months later than originally planned. The company remains committed to creating over 1,760 jobs over the next 10 years.
