Mercedes have unveiled plans for a £70 million redevelopment of its Brackley factory, transforming it into a state-of-the-art sustainable campus of the future.
The team moved to the site in 2010, upon their return to Formula 1 as a works team after acquiring Brawn GP and rebranding it as Mercedes. Traceable back to Tyrrell Racing, the Mercedes team have descended through various rebrandings.
When assets from Reynard Racing Cars were distributed, British American Racing (BAR) acquired the buildings at Brackley and constructed their factory on these grounds. That later became BAR Honda, then Honda, Brawn, and finally Mercedes.
Since Mercedes obtained the site in 2010, the number of employees has more than tripled.
“Our campus was originally built to accommodate 350 people,” explained Team Principal & CEO Toto Wolff. “Today, we are at 1,250. The development of the campus over the last five years was done at an astonishing pace. Now, what we are planning to do is to expand with multiple new buildings and creating a modern style campus. There will be breakout areas, restaurants, and a state-of-the-art gym and marketing building.”
Having purchased the Brackley campus during 2022, the team will be investing £30 million in the new phase of development, including expansion with multiple new buildings and amenities for staff. For Mercedes, the quality of the working environment is a key performance factor, and the team are committed to providing their staff with an environment to perform at their best.
In creating a new health and wellbeing centre and a gateway marketing building, Mercedes are actively improving their operating environment. A brand-new parking structure, shared with Brackley Town Football Club, will also be developed. This will offer matchday improvements for the community and foster a nearly ‘car-free’ environment on campus. Additionally, the parking facility will feature a full solar array which will allow for the charging of more than 70 electric vehicles through renewable energy infrastructure.
Since 2017, more than 30 developments have been completed, transforming the Brackley factory’s design and production spaces. Departments such as The Clean Rooms, Race Bays, Machine Shop and Subassembly Workshops have moved into cutting-edge new facilities. Now, Mercedes are working towards an expanded “Silicon Valley-style” parkland campus.
In accordance with their Net Zero objectives for 2026 and 2030, the new buildings will be net zero in operation and powered by 100% renewable energy. Where possible, Mercedes are aiming for the use of only reusable and recyclable materials, striving to source 30% of their materials locally.
The renovation will also support the community of Brackley. Creating a legacy that goes beyond the racetrack, the team is involved with contributing to local food banks and community groups, as well as facilitating school visits and presentations. Together with the community, Mercedes will create a vision for success in the years ahead by putting Brackley firmly on the global sporting map, driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence.