German Rheinmetall chooses Telford for major defence manufacturing plant, creating 400 jobs

Rheinmetall, the German defence company, has announced that Telford will be the site for its new advanced large-calibre barrel production facility, marking a significant step in re-establishing sovereign defence manufacturing in the United Kingdom.

This move aligns with the strategic partnership set forth in the Trinity House Agreement with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and is expected to bolster Britain’s defence industry, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The Telford facility is set to begin production by 2027 and will restore the UK's ability to produce large-calibre barrels, essential for national defence and international exports. The facility will use British steel and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to produce next-generation barrel systems for both UK and allied platforms. Rheinmetall has already placed orders for essential long-lead manufacturing equipment, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the production schedule.

Over the next decade, Rheinmetall plans to invest more than £400 million into the UK economy, creating over 400 direct and supply chain jobs. Mark Pritchard, Member of Parliament for The Wrekin constituency, welcomed the announcement, saying, “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.”

The new facility will also restore a critical manufacturing capability that the UK lost in 2016. Rheinmetall’s broader investment plan includes more than £70 million to expand the Telford site for Boxer and Challenger 3 production and establish Rheinmetall House in Bristol as the company’s UK headquarters and innovation hub.

Armin Papperger, CEO and Chairman of Rheinmetall, emphasized the significance of this investment: “This isn’t just an investment – it’s a statement. We’re delivering the infrastructure, the technology, and the ambition to place the UK at the forefront of global defence manufacturing.”

By Vafa Guliyeva