'This is not just an investment - it is a statement' - Telford facility will be 'foundation for the future of British defence'

Rheinmetall has confirmed Telford as the home of its new 'Gun Hall' on the town's former GKN site.

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The facility will create more than 400 jobs, directly and indirectly via the supply chain.

The announcement has been welcomed by The Wrekin's Conservative MP Mark Pritchard who 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."

A statement from the defence firm said: "Rheinmetall has confirmed Telford as the home of its new leading-edge large calibre barrel production facility - marking a bold step in re-establishing sovereign defence manufacturing in the UK and delivering on its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), under the Trinity House Agreement.

"This major investment positions Rheinmetall at the heart of Britain’s defence industrial revival, supporting both the modernisation of the British Army and the UK’s role in strengthening NATO’s collective readiness.

"With production set to begin by 2027, the UK will once again join the ranks of nations capable of manufacturing large-calibre barrels - vital for national defence and global export.

"Momentum is already building. Rheinmetall has placed orders for key long-lead manufacturing equipment, ensuring rapid progress and reinforcing its full commitment to delivering this critical capability on time."

Announcing the move Rheinmettall said: "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."

The firm outlined the project's importance, saying: "This is more than a facility. It is a foundation for the future of British defence."

"This isn’t just an investment - it’s a statement”, added 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.”

The company said the new facility would help power the transition of The Army.

It said: "As the British Army pushes to triple its warfighting power by 2030, Rheinmetall’s new gun hall will provide the advanced systems required to meet that vision. From enhanced firepower to sovereign supply chain security, this facility will directly support the Army’s future force structure and readiness for modern conflict - including the demands seen in Ukraine and other high-threat environments.

"Rheinmetall’s priorities for 2025 and beyond include scaling up Boxer production, advancing Challenger 3 trials, and operationalising the new gun hall. These efforts are underpinned by major investment in UK defence skills – including apprenticeships, graduate programmes and industrial placements – ensuring long term capability and sustainability. Rheinmetall is also expanding SME involvement in its global supply chain, strengthening domestic production and boosting UK exports."