The Telford facility will position Rheinmetall at the core of Britain’s defence industrial resurgence. Set to commence production by 2027, the UK will once again be capable of producing large-calibre barrels, essential for national defence and international exports.
Momentum for the project is already gathering pace, as Rheinmetall has placed orders for essential long-lead manufacturing equipment. This action underscores the company’s dedication to delivering this critical capability on schedule.
The facility will utilise British steel and cutting-edge manufacturing to produce next-generation barrel systems for UK and allied platforms. Over the next decade, Rheinmetall plans to invest more than £400 million into the UK economy, creating over 400 jobs both directly and through the supply chain.
Mark Pritchard MP for The Wrekin constituency in Shropshire welcomed the announcement, stating: “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 strategic investment plan, already involving more than £70 million, aims 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.
Rheinmetall’s new gun hall will play a pivotal role as the British Army strives to triple its warfighting power by 2030. The facility will directly support the Army’s modernisation by providing advanced systems necessary for contemporary conflict scenarios, including those similar to the situation in Ukraine.
Looking ahead, Rheinmetall plans to scale up Boxer production, advance Challenger 3 trials, and bring the new gun hall into operation. Investment in UK defence skills, including apprenticeships and industrial placements, remains a priority to ensure long-term sustainability and capability.
Beyond domestic contributions, the Telford site will enhance the UK’s role within NATO by supplying interoperable advanced weapon systems to allied forces. The new facility represents a key element in Rheinmetall’s efforts to bolster NATO’s collective defence capabilities.
Armin Papperger, CEO and Chairman of Rheinmetall Germany, stated: “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. With the location now confirmed and critical equipment already on order, Rheinmetall is moving at pace to turn vision into reality.”
