Bentley’s new Paint Shop debuts Spectraflair finish
The advanced new Paint Shop in Crewe expands customer choice to nearly 100 colours while introducing the innovative Spectraflair finish and new sustainable manufacturing technologies
Bentley has officially begun operations at its new state-of-the-art Paint Shop in Crewe, marking a key milestone in the transformation of its headquarters and wider Dream Factory strategy. The opening was marked with the completion of a one-off Bentley Continental GT S, finished in the brand’s new Spectraflair paint technology. The upgraded facility will immediately serve the Continental GT, Continental GTC, Flying Spur and Bentley’s upcoming first battery electric vehicle, which is expected to launch later this year, with the Bentayga set to be integrated in the next phase. Covering 12,500 square metres, the multi-level Paint Shop is now the tallest building on the Bentley site and has been designed to combine advanced digital manufacturing with traditional craftsmanship. The facility also expands Bentley’s colour palette to nearly 100 exterior paint options, alongside dedicated spaces for future bespoke finishes.
Sustainability and efficiency at its core
The new Paint Shop operates across two floors, blending automation with handcrafted finishing processes. The ground floor is dedicated to manual paint application, while energy systems capture and reuse heat generated from upper-level production processes, meaning the building requires no heating for around two-thirds of the year.
Bentley has also introduced major environmental improvements, including a switch to water-based primer systems, reducing reliance on solvent-based materials. Improved application accuracy, reduced masking usage and advanced filtration systems are expected to cut waste by up to 45 per cent compared to the previous facility.
A Residual Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) burns paint emissions at 1,000°C before releasing purified air, helping reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from paint operations by up to 98 per cent.
World-first AGV technology
A key innovation in the facility is the introduction of a fleet of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), making Bentley the first automotive paint shop globally to use self-propelled carriers for moving vehicle bodies between production stages.
These AGVs improve flexibility, efficiency and security while supporting increasingly complex bespoke paint requests from customers. The same system is also being integrated into Bentley’s A1 assembly building, which is being upgraded for future battery electric vehicle production with improved monitoring and ergonomics.
Colourful exterior, bespoke future
The exterior of the new building reflects Bentley’s paint expertise, featuring 45 display panels, each finished in colours taken directly from the brand’s customer paint range. Every panel has been hand-finished using the same techniques applied to production vehicles.
This visual installation acts as a permanent showcase of Bentley’s craftsmanship and its growing focus on personalisation and bespoke manufacturing.
Spectraflair launches with Continental GT S
To celebrate the opening, Bentley unveiled a unique Continental GT S finished in the new Spectral Verdant paint, developed by artisans in Crewe. The finish builds on the existing Verdant colour and creates a shifting, multi-tone effect that changes under natural light.
Available through Bentley’s By Mulliner extended paint programme, the finish is paired with a hand-sprayed Union Flag racing stripe in Ghost White Pearlescent, applied over several days using specialist techniques.
