inside look at McLaren automotive's production center in woking, UK

an inside look at the McLaren production center in woking, UK
all images copyright McLaren automotive limited

designboom flew down to the McLaren production centre (MPC) at McLaren’s headquarters in woking, UK and received an exclusive inside look at the design, manufacturing and production processes of its high performance 650s and P1 hybrid hyper cars. during the visit, we spoke to robert melville, the head of design at the automotive branch of the company – where he spoke about their exclusive range of limited edition sports vehicles, and explored the one-of-a-kind facility to see exactly how some of the fastest cars on the planet come to life.

located just steps away from the the McLaren technology centre, one must walk through a clinically white tunnel for a couple of minutes before accessing the production center. the MPC has been specifically designed to reflect the environmental credentials of the energy efficient and award winning headquarters conceived by foster and partners, and also expresses the environmentally sensitive and detailed development programme that McLaren has to offer.

on the development of the building, ron dennis, executive chairman of McLaren group and McLaren automotive explained: ‘we’ve approached the MPC planning and construction programme in the same rigorous and detailed manner as we would start a grand prix season – every aspect has been considered, and solutions resolved, whether it be on the production facility’s timing and layout, the local sensitivities regarding the practical, logistical and environmental impact of the new facility, or how we deal with details such as keeping the site and surrounding roads as clean and as traffic-free as possible.’

the MPC has been designed to exhibit McLaren’s style and will encapsulate all the virtues of the adjoined MTC

the space is flexible in comparison to other modern manufacturing facilities with a wide span between columns and ceramic flooring. acting more like an operation theater than a factory, the linear organization follows the flow of the production line showcasing the technology of the plant and the system of networks where the components are delivered, assembled, painted, tested and finally detailed.

overview of the 33,000m2 McLaren production center

built for speed, the facility will be able to produce and build the product in five days with a new car joining the line every 45 minutes.

over 800 skilled workers participate in the entire production of the 650s and P1 range

components and parts are perfectly organized by color

vehicles get an inspection on the assembly line

‘low-energy’ paints are used for the 650s and P1 that can be cooled through natural air-flow within the building

birds eye view of the MPC (left) and MTC (right) in woking, UK