In a significant development for both the UK defence sector and regional industry, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), a leading Anglo-German defence firm, has announced plans to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility at its Hadley Castle Works site in Telford. Set to be operational by 2027, this investment is expected to create up to 400 jobs in Shropshire and stimulate wider economic activity through the supply chain.
The new factory will specialize in producing large-calibre gun barrel systems a capability that has been absent from UK manufacturing for nearly a decade. This revival is part of the broader “Trinity House” agreement signed in 2024 between the UK Ministry of Defence and the Federal Republic of Germany, a landmark defence collaboration designed to strengthen operational and industrial ties between the two nations.
Restoring Sovereign Capability and Enhancing NATO Readiness
The decision to site this facility in Telford is a strategic one. The project will see British steel and advanced manufacturing technologies combined to produce next-generation barrel systems for both British and allied platforms. This capability is critical to modernising the British Army’s equipment and enhancing the UK’s contribution to NATO’s collective defence readiness.
RBSL’s spokesperson emphasised the broader significance: “This major investment positions Rheinmetall at the heart of Britain’s defence industrial revival, supporting both modernisation efforts and the UK’s role within NATO. By 2027, the UK will rejoin the select group of nations capable of producing these vital systems domestically.”
Economic Impact and Industrial Revitalisation
Beyond the strategic importance, the investment represents a substantial economic boost for Telford and the surrounding region. The £400 million injection over the next decade will generate employment opportunities both directly within the factory and indirectly across the supply chain, encompassing sectors such as steel production, precision engineering, and logistics.
Local economic analysts have welcomed the announcement as a catalyst for revitalising Telford’s manufacturing heritage, which has historically played a key role in supporting Britain’s defence industries.
A Forward-Looking Partnership
The Trinity House agreement underpins this initiative, reflecting a shared commitment between the UK and Germany to deepen defence collaboration across research, development, and production. This factory serves as a tangible outcome of that partnership, aligning industrial capabilities with strategic defence objectives.
As global security challenges evolve, maintaining and expanding sovereign manufacturing capacity is critical. The Telford facility exemplifies this priority, ensuring the UK can sustain and advance its defence technologies while contributing to allied interoperability.
Conclusion
Rheinmetall’s new factory in Telford marks a pivotal moment in Britain’s defence landscape. By restoring domestic production of large-calibre gun barrel systems, the UK not only strengthens its military readiness but also revitalises a key industrial sector with lasting economic benefits. As construction begins and operations ramp up toward 2027, Telford is set to reclaim its place as a foundational hub of British defence manufacturing.
Key Highlights:
- Creation of over 400 jobs locally and across the UK supply network
- Over £400 million invested in UK defence manufacturing over ten years
- Renewed UK capability to manufacture large-calibre gun barrels after nearly a decade
- Strengthened UK-Germany defence partnership through the 2024 Trinity House agreement
- Facility poised to begin production by 2027, enhancing NATO operational readiness
This development underscores the UK’s renewed focus on defence industrial sovereignty and international cooperation with Telford at its centre.
