Factory revamp to pave way for gun barrel production

Defence firm Rheinmetall plans to install machinery at its new gun barrel facility in Telford this month, ahead of an official opening in July.

The German firm said it had already begun recruiting and training new staff, after receiving planning permission to make alterations to its Hadley Castle site.

It previously said the contract to make the gun barrels would generate more than 400 highly skilled jobs and deliver an estimated £400m boost to the UK economy over the next decade.

It said some of the jobs created would be in the UK supply chain and would "revitalise the local industry and boost prosperity in Telford and beyond".

A spokesperson said: "Following approval of the refurbishment works, we can confirm that activity at our Telford facility is progressing well.

"The site will begin initial operations this month, with machinery being installed and commissioned ahead of our official opening in July."

The company said the staff it had recruited had been in Germany for training before starting work at the Telford site.

It also said it would "continue to work closely with the local planning authority" to make sure it met conditions on noise control.

"We are confident that these measures will ensure noise levels remain within acceptable limits and that the facility operates responsibly, particularly during night-time periods," it said.

The development of the barrel-making facilities has been supported by the town's two MP's with both Shaun Davies and Mark Pritchard, saying it would benefit the local defence industry.

The company said the UK had lacked capability to make large barrels since 2016 and said that it was "vital for national defence and global exports".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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