Dyson has confirmed plans to construct its first automotive manufacturing facility in Singapore, with the first production car to roll off the line in 2021.

Dyson’s new facility in Singapore is due for completion in 2020, with first electric cars rolling off the production line in 2021

Construction will commence on the new two-storey facility in December this year, with completion scheduled for 2020.

The announcement follows the company’s announcement in September 2017 that it was working on an electric vehicle project, in addition to statements made earlier this year that it was investing £200m in new buildings and electric vehicle testing facilities at its Hullavington Airfield campus in the UK, as well as a £2.5bn global investment in new technology.

Jim Rowan, CEO of Dyson said, “The decision of where to make our car is complex, based on supply chains, access to markets, and the availability of the expertise that will help us achieve our ambitions. I am delighted to let you know that the Dyson Board has now decided that our first automotive manufacturing facility will be in Singapore.

Dyson is not, however, new to Singapore with an existing 1,100-strong workforce in the country producing 21m electric motors a year for its various consumer products. Dyson expects to more than double the team there, leaning on its existing developments of electric motos.

Rowan continued: “Singapore also offers access to high-growth markets as well as an extensive supply chain and a highly skilled workforce. Singapore has a comparatively high cost base, but also great technology expertise and focus. It is therefore the right place to make high quality technology loaded machines, and the right place to make our electric vehicle.”

The news to build its first electric vehicle outside of the UK has raised criticism following Sir James Dyson’s support of Brexit, though Jim Rowan added that “This decision is good news for the exceptional teams we have in both the UK and Singapore”.