British carmaker to open US plant
AC Cars, Britain’s oldest sports car company, will build its first US manufacturing plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
AC Cars will occupy a 40,000-square-foot facility and create 141 jobs.
“AC Cars is proud to be bringing auto-making back to Connecticut,” Alan Lubinsky, company chairman, said today.
“AC Cars looks forward to being a part of Bridgeport’s economic resurgence, and we see a tremendous opportunity for growth and success in the years ahead.”
The company expects to spend around £3m (€4.4m) on acquisition and equipment purchase and installation.
The project will be supported by a proposed £900,000 (€1.3m) loan from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development for site preparation, construction, machinery and equipment, and moving expenses.
The funding will require approval from the State Bond Commission.
Bridgeport, Connecticut’s largest city, was once a centre for manufacturing, including cars.
William Armstrong built one of the first automobiles in 1895 in the same building AC Cars is using to launch its US operation.
The new facility, to be located on Maple Street next to the Pequonnock River, will begin production of the AC Ace, AC MKVI and AC Mamba models next summer.
