Rheinmetall has confirmed Telford as the location for its new state-of-the-art large calibre barrel manufacturing facility, marking a significant step towards the re-establishment of a sovereign defence manufacturing capability in the UK and realising its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under the Trinity House Agreement.
This major investment places Rheinmetall at the heart of the UK defence industrial renaissance, supporting both the modernisation of the British Army and the UK’s role in strengthening NATO’s collective readiness. With production expected to begin by 2027, the UK will once again be part of a select group of nations capable of producing large calibre barrels – a vital capability for national defence and international export.
The machine is already in motion. Rheinmetall has in fact ordered the main long-cycle machinery, ensuring rapid progress and confirming its total commitment to deliver this critical capacity on schedule.
Expansion of an industrial power
The new facility will use British steel and advanced manufacturing technologies to produce next-generation barrel systems for platforms in the UK and its allies. With plans to invest more than £400 million in the UK economy over the next decade and create more than 400 jobs – both directly and indirectly across the supply chain – the initiative is set to boost local industry and generate prosperity in Telford and beyond.
The Hon Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin in Shropshire, said: "This is fantastic news for Shropshire as a whole – for local suppliers, and for the jobs and skills this major investment will bring. I have worked tirelessly with the Rheinmetall management to secure this project for the area, and I am delighted that ministers have listened to our joint pleas. It is a great day for the whole county."
By restoring a vital capacity – lost in the UK since 2016 – Rheinmetall aims to return Britain to the forefront of defence manufacturing.
This initiative is one of the pillars of Rheinmetall UK's strategic investment plan to expand its industrial footprint. Over £70 million has already been committed to strengthen sovereign capabilities, drive innovation and support job creation. Key elements include the expansion of the Telford plant to support vehicle production Boxer e Challenger 3, and the development of Rheinmetall House in Bristol – the headquarters and centre for collaboration and innovation – to promote engineering excellence and synergy with the Ministry of Defence.
In the service of the transformation of the Army
As the British Army aims to triple its operational capability by 2030, Rheinmetall’s new gun hall will provide the advanced systems needed to realise this vision. From increased firepower to securing sovereign supply chains, the facility will directly support the new force structure and operational readiness for modern conflict – including the needs emerging in Ukraine and other high-threat environments.
Rheinmetall's priorities for 2025 and beyond include increasing production of Boxer, the progress of the tests of the Challenger 3 and the commissioning of the new rod manufacturing plant. These efforts are supported by significant investment in UK industrial skills – including apprenticeships, graduate schemes and traineeships – to ensure long-term capability and sustainability. Rheinmetall is also expanding the participation of SMEs in its global supply chain, strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting UK exports.
To strengthen NATO
In addition to the UK, the plant will contribute to NATO's mission by providing advanced, interoperable weapons systems to allied countries. This paves the way for even deeper British involvement in multinational programmes and consolidates Rheinmetall's role as a cornerstone of the Alliance's industrial base.
Facts not words
“This is not just an investment – it’s a statement”, said Armin Papperger, CEO and President of Rheinmetall Germany. “We are providing the infrastructure, technology and ambition to place the UK at the forefront of global defence manufacturing. With the location now confirmed and key machinery already ordered, Rheinmetall is moving quickly to make the vision a reality.”
This is not just a factory. It is the foundation for the future of British defence.
