The new facility will produce barrels and breeches for 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including those for the RCH 155 and future artillery platforms. This development is part of the government’s commitment to reindustrialisation and economic growth across the country.
The return of sovereign manufacturing capability is expected to better equip the British Armed Forces to defend the nation. Rheinmetall UK plans to expand its workforce as production scales up, fostering long-term partnerships with British SMEs to strengthen the domestic supply chain.
Specialist local workers have been recruited and trained for the production phase, drawing on Telford’s engineering sector strength and supporting regional economic growth. Workers received training at Rheinmetall’s facility in Unterlüß, Germany, before returning to establish the sovereign capability.
“"Britain is back in the business of making the weapons that our Armed Forces need to defend the nation against our adversaries. From an empty site to full production in eight months, this is rapid reindustrialisation in action."
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, highlighted the opening as a significant milestone, stating, "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 initiative builds on the UK-Germany industrial partnership under the Trinity House Agreement, signed in October 2024, aimed at enhancing bilateral co-operation. This development also complements Rheinmetall UK’s existing work on programmes such as the Boxer vehicle and Challenger 3 battle tank.
The government has committed £298 billion over four years through the Defence Investment Plan, aiming to use defence spending to drive economic growth and create well-paid, long-term jobs across the UK.
