Cadillac is taking a big step forward in their Formula 1 project as they reveal plans for a new factory worth $150 million in Concord, North Carolina.
With Cadillac looking towards their 2026 F1 entry, they are beginning to put the pieces in place to hit the ground running and be a competitive team. Though they have an established base in Silverstone ready to aid the design and production of the cars. They are looking beyond that.
A City Council of Concord agenda that will occur on the 13th of February listed the construction of a factory complex adjacent to the Hendrick Motorsports campus up for discussion. It also contains the plans to turn this into the base for all of Cadillac’s engine endeavours.
North Carolina has become home to many racing teams from Nascar to Formula 1. Currently, the Haas F1 team are also based in North Carolina although in Kannapolis. North Carolina’s long history in racing makes it the perfect hub for Cadillac’s F1 project.
The plans
The current plans are going to council and public hearings because they hope to acquire local government grants. Subsequently, the plans aim for 10 acres of land that will be turned into a state-of-the-art facility. Cadillac is hoping to attain a $749,700 grant and the local government would collect a revenue of $132,300.
It is reported to cost $65-70 million to build with a further $75-80 million to get the factory up and running. Additionally, the local government agenda states, “The building design will be constructed with tilt-up concrete walls. Including glass and metal accents.
“The 204,045 square-foot facility features two stories and is completely air-conditioned for precision work. There will be gated access and ample staff and visitor parking leading to the storefront entry. Which opens to a class-A office and meeting space inside.
“The production floor is equipped with high illumination levels, pneumatic supply ports, and robust electrical service. Fibre optic will feed the data centre. Covered by redundant cooling and power, for a clear path to digitally empowered manufacturing.”
In addition to the literal manufacturing of the building, the project itself provides huge investment opportunities with the addition of 300 to 350 employees. As well as new manufacturing and research and development.
The agenda said: “The project would involve significant investment in new manufacturing, R&D and information technology equipment, and the hiring of 300 to 350 highly skilled employees in manufacturing, engineering, and research and development. With an average wage of $100,000 to $125,000 per year.”
Currently, the timeline for the Cadillac factory sets the intended finish date in 2027. Coupled with the factory producing engines ready for the 2028 season.
“With an ambitious timeline, the goal is to have the engine ready for integration into a vehicle by 2028, ensuring Cadillac’s competitive debut in Formula 1.“
