Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, has officially opened Bentley Motors' new Paint Shop at the company's Crewe headquarters.

The visit to the Pyms Lane site on Wednesday 22 July marked a major milestone in Bentley's ongoing Dream Factory transformation, with the new facility set to support the next generation of vehicles built in Crewe.

This 12,500 square metre Paint Shop is the tallest building on Bentley's campus and features advanced technology designed to improve efficiency, sustainability and working conditions for employees.

During her visit, The Princess Royal toured Lanthe Design Studio, new Paint Shop and wider manufacturing operations, meeting colleagues involved in producing Bentley's luxury vehicles.

The facility will paint Bentley's forthcoming fourth model line, the Bentley Torcal, from launch, alongside the Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser said: "We are honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to Crewe and to mark the official opening of our new Paint Shop.

"This is a proud moment for all of us and the culmination of a great deal of innovation and ambition to see the facility come to life.

"Her visit provides an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary colleagues whose expertise, passion and dedication continue to drive Bentley forward."

The new Crewe Paint Shop is the first automotive facility in the world to use Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to transport vehicle bodies through the paint production process.

Bentley's Member of the Board for Manufacturing, Andreas Lehe, said: "This facility represents a major milestone in the transformation of our Dream Factory and a significant investment in the future of British manufacturing.

"Combining advanced technologies with exceptional craftsmanship, it strengthens our production capabilities and supports the next generation of Bentley vehicles, including the forthcoming Bentley Torcal."

The official opening was marked by The Princess Royal unveiling a commemorative plaque at Bentley's Crewe site.

Bentley said the new facility will help reduce energy use, waste and emissions, while creating a more modern working environment for employees carrying out highly skilled craftsmanship.

The Paint Shop forms a key part of Bentley's plans to create a flexible and future-ready manufacturing operation in Crewe.

READ MORE: Electricity bills VAT cut will help 'ease' financial pressures says Crewe MP.

Crewe Nub News, supported by Crewe-based family business, Swansway Motor Group, has launched the Crewe Prize Draw.

The Crewe Prize Draw sees one winner take home a cash prize every fortnight, with every ticket purchased helping raise vital funds for community-based causes in Crewe.

The first draw takes place on Thursday 2 July. Buy a ticket for just £2.