Rheinmetall launches new gun barrel factory in Telford

A new gun hall has been officially opened in Shropshire - marking the return of independent production of large-calibre weapons to the UK.

Operated by global defence manufacturing group Rheinmetall and called the 'UK Gun Hall', it has seen the production of tank barrels in the UK for the first time in two decades.

The new factory in Telford manufactures 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including those supporting Challenger 3 and future artillery platforms, and is expected to inject £400 million in the wider UK economy.

The investment has initially created 35 new jobs but this number is expected to reach 100 once production ramps up, adding to Rheinmetall UK's payroll of 685 staff already working for the company in Telford.

The facility in the Hadley Castle district forms part of Rheinmetall's wider investment of more than £200 million across its UK operations over the past five years.

The move has been hailed as a "vote of confidence in our country" at an official launch event attended by dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces, Defence Secretary Wes Street and the Army's Chief of the General Staff Sir Roland Walker.

Mr Streeting said: "A special thanks goes to Rheinmetall for your longstanding investment in Britain and the jobs and communities that investment supports.

"As someone who loves our country's history, it is not lost on me that we are a stone's throw away from the birthplace of British industry and a part of the country that is synonymous with engineering and manufacturing.

"Today is a vote of confidence in our country, a statement of intent on our mission to reindustrialise Britain and create well-paid jobs across our country and proof we are rebuilding the capabilities of our Armed Forces.

"What we are opening the doors to here is more than a manufacturing plant, it is something much greater and more ambitious - readiness and resilience.

"For the first time in decades, artillery gun barrels will be produced in Britain, made using British steel. Their production will create 100 jobs and hundreds more across the supply chain.

"This facility stands as a symbol of the deepening defence industrial relationship between the United Kingdom and our friends in Germany.

"All of this adds up to a new era of hope and opportunity for this town, this region and our country as we face up to a new era of threat and jeopardy. Despite the advent of drones, data and AI, it is not enough to simply out-innovate those who would wish us harm.

"We must also out-produce them too because advantage increasingly belongs to those who can manufacture at scale and that's what Rheinmetall in Telford will help us to achieve."

Plans for the new gun barrel factory were announced last year.

The facility is housed in a former warehouse used by engineering giant GKN which underwent a major programme of renovation spanning just eight months.

During this period, advanced manufacturing equipment was installed and commissioned, specialist expertise was transferred to the UK workforce and production commenced on schedule.

Staff underwent training at Rheinmetall's production facility in Unterlüß, Germany.

The Telford factory covers 123,780 sq ft and, at peak capacity, will be able to produce up to 245 barrels per year across both calibres, as well as more than 50 breeches.

The investment complements Rheinmetall UK's work on the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle, Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank programme and future land capability programmes.

Mr Streeting said almost 70 per cent of defence investment was already spent outside London and the South East and the defence economy was worth £1.8 billion in the West Midlands and supported 8,000 jobs.

Armin Papperger, chief executive of Rheinmetall Group, said: "Today's opening is an important milestone for Rheinmetall and for the United Kingdom.

"In a remarkably short period of time, we have turned our commitment into a sovereign manufacturing capability that will strengthen Britain's defence industrial base for decades to come.

"The UK has been a long-standing and valued partner for Rheinmetall and today we are building on an already strong relationship.

"We are committed to investing in the UK for the long term, expanding our industrial footprint and working together to deliver the capabilities needed for the future.

"By combining Rheinmetall's expertise with British skills, innovation and manufacturing, we are strengthening the UK's sovereign industrial capacity, supporting the Armed Forces and contributing to the security of NATO and Europe."

Shaun Davies, Labour MP for Telford who also attended the official opening ceremony, added: "The opening of Rheinmetall's UK Gun Hall is a proud moment for Telford and a significant investment in our town's future.

"This is a major milestone for our town and puts us at the heart of the UK's defence industry. This investment brings opportunities to create highly skilled jobs, develop local talent and strengthen our local economy.

"It's also an important step in ensuring Britain has the skills, technology and manufacturing capabilities needed to keep our country safe.

"I'm delighted to see Telford playing such an important role in our nation's defence and I want to thank Rheinmetall for investing in our town and recognising the talent, expertise and potential of our local workforce.

"This is about more than defence. It's about jobs, skills and creating lasting opportunities for Telford and future generations."