The beautifully manicured grounds of Rolls-Royce’s factory in Goodwood is a hub of tranquility. As the factory is quiet and still thanks to coronavirus shutdown, the only sounds are those of bees bumbling through the air. In fact, these bees are technically Rolls-Royce employees as they produce honey on site for the Bee Apiary company. 2020 is set to be a bumper year for these winged workers.
Thanks to a mild winter and favourable conditions, the 250,000 bees that work at the home of Rolls-Royce are thriving. They work out of English-crafted, wooden beehives named Wraith, Phantom, Ghost, Dawn and Cullinan – all Rolls-Royce model names. The excellent condition of the bees who forage the 42-acre sites are set to produce even more honey than in 2019.
The Rolls-Royce of honey is processed locally and served to guests of the marque who visit its Goodwood site. What’s better than eating fresh honey on toast while configuring your new Rolls-Royce Phantom?
Bee populations throughout Europe are in decline, which is more than just bad news for our black and yellow friends. These insects are responsible for the pollination of flowers and vegetables, and without them biodiversity will reduce greatly. It’s great to see that the Rolls-Royce site provides a habitat in which they can thrive.
Richard Carter, Rolls-Royce Director of Global Communications, said: ‘Our sustainable buildings, thermal ponds, rainwater management systems and wildfowl refuge have already made the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood one of the UK’s most eco-friendly manufacturing facilities. Through this project, which taps into the biodiversity of our site, including our huge living roof, we’re making an important contribution to conserving Britain’s vital bee population.’
Post coronavirus lockdown, the Rolls-Royce factory will be a hive of activity once again. In the mean time, we congratulate these bees on their sweet success.
Keyword: Rolls-Royce tastes sweet success with honey business