Telford manufacturing boost with £400m Rheinmetall investment

Rheinmetall has confirmed Telford as the home of its new Gun Hall. This leading-edge large-calibre barrel production facility marks a bold step in re-establishing sovereign defence manufacturing in the UK.

The new facility will use British steel and advanced manufacturing to deliver next generation barrel systems for both UK and allied platforms. With plans to inject over £400 million into the UK economy over the next decade and create more than 400 jobs – directly and indirectly via supply chain – this will revitalise the local industry and boost prosperity in Telford and beyond.

Key elements of this investment include the expansion of the Telford facility to support Boxer and Challenger 3 production.

Mark Pritchard MP for The Wrekin said “This is fantastic news for the whole of Shropshire – for local suppliers and for the employment and skills this major investment will bring.

“I’ve worked tirelessly with Rheinmetall senior management to secure this investment for the area and I’m pleased that ministers have listened to our joint representations. This is a big day for the county as a whole.”

Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We are delighted at this news which will deliver hundreds of new jobs for local residents.

“The Council has worked hard with Rheinmetall and the UK Government to secure this investment because we’re serious when we say that we want to attract business and the best jobs for our residents.

“The Hadley Castle Works has provided for the nation’s security for generations. Whether that be parts for Spitfires or D Day landing craft to modern day Boxer armoured vehicles, Challenger tanks and now artillery barrels, the country’s defence is often made in Telford. We’re proud to play that role and will continue to do what we can, given our local skilled workforce and strategic location.”

‘’This isn’t just an investment – it’s a statement”, said Armin Papperger, CEO and Chairman of Rheinmetall Germany. “We’re delivering the infrastructure, the technology, and the ambition to place the UK at the forefront of global defence manufacturing. With the location now confirmed and critical equipment already on order, Rheinmetall is moving at pace to turn vision into reality.”

Pic: The Challenger 3 Main Battle tank by Ministry of Defence – https://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/, OGL v1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=128866842