Council welcomes opening of Rheinmetall Gun Hall in Telford
Telford & Wrekin Council has welcomed the official opening of Rheinmetall’s new UK Gun Hall in Telford, describing it as a major boost for jobs, skills and the Borough’s growing reputation as a national centre for defence manufacturing.
The facility was officially opened on 22 October by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP, who was joined by Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall Group, the head of the British Army General Sir Roland Walker, and Telford MP Shaun Davies, and marks the return of large-calibre gun barrel production to the UK. Operated by Rheinmetall, the new facility at Hadley Castle Works will manufacture 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including those supporting the Challenger 3 programme and future artillery platforms.
The investment has already created new jobs in Telford and is expected to support around 100 roles at the site as production ramps up, alongside hundreds more jobs throughout the wider supply chain.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:
“The opening of Rheinmetall’s UK Gun Hall is fantastic news for Telford and Wrekin and another major vote of confidence in our Borough.
“We have a proud manufacturing heritage and a long history of supporting the nation’s defence, so it’s great to see that legacy continuing through this significant investment.
“Most importantly, this means jobs, opportunities and long-term investment for local people. As production grows, the facility will support skilled employment here in Telford while strengthening the wider supply chain and bringing benefits to businesses across the area.
“We worked hard alongside Rheinmetall and Government to help secure this investment because we know the difference it can make to our local economy.
“It also adds further weight to the case for Telford to be recognised as a Defence Growth Zone. We already have world-class defence employers, MOD Donnington, a highly skilled workforce and now growing investment in defence training through Telford College.
“The message is clear: Telford is making a major contribution to the UK’s defence capability, and we are well placed to support further investment, create more high-quality jobs and help drive growth in this critically important sector.”
The Council has been actively championing Telford as a future Defence Growth Zone, with the designation having the potential to unlock further investment, strengthen supply chains and support the creation of thousands of additional jobs. This would build on existing defence investment in the Borough, including the Challenger 3 and Boxer programmes being delivered by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL).
The opening of the UK Gun Hall also follows Government investment announced earlier this year which will see Telford College help train the next generation of defence workers through the Defence Technical Excellence Colleges programme. The initiative will expand defence-related education and training, helping ensure local people can access the specialist skills required by the sector.
Together, these developments further strengthen Telford and Wrekin’s position as a nationally important location for defence manufacturing, innovation and skills, helping to secure long-term economic growth and high-quality employment opportunities across the Borough.