GW's New Fourth Factory: A Massive Move for Miniatures (2024)

It’s official: Games Workshop has submitted plans to build a new factory to keep up with demand for Warhammer miniatures in Nottingham.

Games Workshop is cranking things up a notch with their plans for a brand-new factory. This isn’t just any factory—this is their fourth Factory (F4), and it’s going to be a whopping 62,893 square feet (5843 sq. meters)!

Yes, you read that right. So, let’s get into the details and see what’s brewing in Nottingham.

The Need for Expansion

Demand for Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Age of Sigmar has skyrocketed. Ever since 2016, interest in these miniature wargames has been climbing steadily, and the pandemic only fueled this fire. Stuck at home, people found solace in painting miniatures, and with the explosive release of Warhammer 40k 10th Edition in 2023, things just went nuclear.

Now, Games Workshop is moving ahead with its plans for a fourth factory to keep up with this growing customer base.

Games Workshop Submits Site Plans For A New Factory

In January, we got wind that Games Workshop was eyeing a fourth factory. Fast-forward to June 4, and they’ve officially submitted their planning request to Nottingham City Council.

So, what’s this factory going to be all about? Factory 4 will consolidate the packing operations currently split between Factory One (F1) and Factory Two (F2).

This means all the packing waste streams from F1 and F2 will be moved to F4, not adding any new waste but simply relocating it. It’s like tidying up your workspace by shoving everything into one drawer—neater and more efficient.

Here, you can see the proposed site next to the current F2 and bordered on the west by the Beeston Canal. Warhammer World and the HQ building are located next door across the River Leen.

More Than Just a Factory

The plans for F4 include much more than just a big building. We’re talking about an extension to an existing tool store, internal links connecting the new and old factories, a private access road, car parking, and even some chill zones for employees.

Yep, it’s going to be a miniature-making paradise.

The extension will also add 1,980 square feet of tool storage, doubling the current capacity at the location above and barreling to the left of the image. “Tools” in this context are most likely the steel and silicone molds used to cast miniatures.

These molds have long lifespans, meaning GW can crank out your favorite models for years to come. And with extra storage, they can pump out popular kits at warp speed.

The Catch

Not everything is as shiny as an Ultramarine on parade, though. The application mentions there will be no net gain in employment. That’s right—no new jobs, folks. Also mentioned is that just like the existing other factories on Willow Road in Nottingham, this one is also in a known flood zone.

Hopefully, they’ve got some solid plans to keep everything high and dry.

The Deadline

So, when can we expect this new factory to start rolling out miniatures? The determination deadline for this application is September 3, 2024. Until then, we’ll wait with bated breath to see if the plans get the green light.

Why It Matters

Current GW Manufacturing Landscape

Games Workshop makes all its “core products” at three factories in Nottingham. Their recent report shows that they’ve been breaking records with their manufacturing output thanks to some efficient improvements. The three factories have a total of 361 employees and paid out $7.5 million (£6 million) in the six months leading up to June 2023.

For hobbyists, this new factory means more miniatures, faster. By freeing up space in Factories One and Two, Games Workshop can focus even more on producing those tiny warriors we all love. And with specialized factories for production and packing, productivity is set to soar.

Whether you’re a veteran or a new hobbyist, this expansion is a big deal. More efficient production should mean more frequent releases and less time waiting for that new Codex or miniature. Plus, with the added tool storage, Games Workshop can keep its back catalog fresh and ready to roll.

What do you think about Games Workshop’s new factory plans?

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