McLaren produces the first carbon “cocoon” in a new factory in Sheffield
March 24, 2019MonoCell monocoque will be the first serial product in the new factory. This platform can significantly reduce the weight of the car, while maintaining the same safety and rigidity of the body.
The carbon fiber bath, dubbed MonoCell, will be manufactured at the new McLaren Innovation and Production Center in Yorkshire. The first unit has already left the “conveyor” and delivered to the main McLaren plant in Woking, Surrey. MonoCell McLaren will be the basis of all its road cars and can significantly reduce the weight compared with more traditional automotive technologies.
As Wes Jacklin, director of the MCTC plant, McLaren Automotive noted, “Delivering the first prototype to the main plant is not only a significant day for everyone who worked on the prototype, but also for the entire McLaren company. New technologies will help us become world leaders in the field of lightweight and composite materials. ” He also added that they never introduce technology, for the sake of technology introduction.
About 60 people are currently employed by McLaren at the McLaren Composites Technology (MCTC) Technology Center near Sheffield. In total, it is planned to recruit about 200 employees by the time the plant reaches its full capacity, which will happen in 2020.
