Where to start? Convention space. Huge parts warehouse. Giant spaces for different themed builds. A bigger Bricks for Bricks Bricklink store.
Sadly, I don’t have anything close to that amount of space, but the LEGO Group does in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The news of a LEGO factory opening in the US is not new. LEGO plans to be up and running with brick production in 2025 to supply the US market. This site, just southwest of Richmond, VA, will produce bricks and pack sets. What that means for my fellow North American brick fans is yet to be seen. I’m hoping it just means an improved supply chain with better access to sets.
So what’s the latest? Ground breaking was held on 13 April 2023, but just this week a visitor center opened on site and it’s open to the public. I’m not sure on hours, but I’m pretty sure they’re not selling exclusive sets or minifigures that you can scoop up (sorry). A local news station went to the site and posted a few pictures. My favorite is this brick designed model of what the plant will look like. The reporting focused on jobs, politicians, and carbon neutrality, but as a brick fan, I want to see LEGO Bricks. This is a pretty impressive layout. Hopefully a fan will visit soon and post some close up pictures so we can get a better look.
One thing to notice in the article is that they mention the site being closed for various reasons, but of a goal to be able to open it up for school field trips and other visits. That sounds cool! Maybe they will open it up for fan tours as well so some of us bigger kids can stop by for a visit. If you are in the area, send some pictures or get me a link of where we can see them (post in the comments) .
In the meantime, happy building!