A hundred jobs created as tank barrel production returns to Telford
Rheinmetall UK's new gun hall is the first UK site making large-calibre weapons in two decades
Last updated 22nd Oct 2026
A hundred skilled jobs have been created in Telford after a defence company began producing tank barrels at a new UK site, the first of its kind in the country for twenty years.
Rheinmetall UK has started production at its gun hall in Telford, manufacturing barrels and breeches for 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including for the RCH 155 and future artillery platforms, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The company says it will expand its workforce as production increases, and is aiming to build long-term partnerships with British small and medium-sized businesses.
Specialist workers have been recruited and trained locally for the production phase, drawing on Telford's engineering sector, the Ministry of Defence said.
Rheinmetall UK took over the site in autumn 2025, meaning it has gone from an empty building to full production in eight months.
Part of the training process saw British workers travel to Rheinmetall's production facility in Unterlüß, Germany, to gain experience in precision manufacturing, quality assurance and specialist weapon production, before returning to Telford.
What's been said
The gun hall was officially opened by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, alongside Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker and Rheinmetall AG chief executive Armin Papperger.
"Britain is back in the business of making the weapons that our Armed Forces need to defend the nation against our adversaries. From an empty site to full production in eight months, this is rapid reindustrialisation in action," Mr Streeting said.
"One hundred skilled jobs in world-class manufacturing and the return of large-calibre weapon production to UK soil for the first time in twenty years, this is what defence as an engine for growth looks like," Mr Streeting said.
Armin Papperger said: "Today's opening is an important milestone for Rheinmetall and for the United Kingdom. In a remarkably short period of time, we have turned our commitment into a sovereign manufacturing capability that will strengthen Britain's defence industrial base for decades to come."
"The UK has been a long-standing and valued partner for Rheinmetall, and today we are building on an already strong relationship. We are committed to investing in the UK for the long term, expanding our industrial footprint and working together to deliver the capabilities needed for the future," Mr Papperger said.
"By combining Rheinmetall's expertise with British skills, innovation and manufacturing, we are strengthening the UK's sovereign industrial capacity, supporting the Armed Forces and contributing to the security of NATO and Europe," Mr Papperger said.
Wider context
The gun hall's development forms part of the UK-Germany industrial partnership under the Trinity House Agreement, signed in October 2024, which commits both nations to closer defence co-operation.
It builds on Rheinmetall UK's other investment across the country, including work on the Boxer vehicle and Challenger 3 battle tank programmes, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The government has committed £298 billion over four years as part of its Defence Investment Plan, which it says is aimed at using defence spending to support jobs and growth across the UK.