Rheinmetall opens the UK Gun Hall in Telford
Rheinmetall has officially inaugurated its new ‘UK Gun Hall’ in Telford, an event attended by British Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting. This facility marks the return of large-calibre weapon production to the UK, reflecting Rheinmetall’s substantial investment exceeding £200 million in its UK operations over the last five years, underscoring the company’s dedication to enhancing the nation’s defense industrial foundation.
The UK Gun Hall is anticipated to employ over 100 skilled professionals as production scales, generating opportunities for British businesses, fortifying domestic supply chains, and providing long-term economic benefits. Currently, Rheinmetall has around 685 employees in Telford, including 35 at the Gun Hall, highlighting a significant investment in the UK’s defense sector, which aligns with the government’s vision of making defense a driver of economic growth.
This facility will manufacture 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including those for the Challenger 3 and forthcoming artillery platforms, within 11,500 m² of production space. At full capacity, it can produce up to 245 barrels per year for both calibers and over 50 breeches annually. These capabilities are designed to meet rising demand from the UK, NATO, and the international community, ultimately bolstering collective deterrence and supporting NATO security initiatives.
In a remarkable turnaround, Rheinmetall transformed an empty facility into a functional manufacturing site within just eight months. This quick progression reflects the company’s ability to swiftly address UK defense needs and convert investment commitments into independent manufacturing capabilities. During this period, advanced manufacturing technology was established and specialized knowledge was shared with the UK workforce, leading to timely production commencement.
Production of breeches and breech blocks started in May 2026, with barrel production following in June 2026, adhering to program timelines. The successful production of the first UK-made breech, breech block, and barrels represents a significant achievement in manufacturing complex weapon components on British soil.
Looking ahead, Rheinmetall plans to incorporate British steel sourced from Sheffield Forgemasters into the production process, further bolstering domestic supply chains and supporting the UK steel sector.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, alongside Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence, and brought together government officials, military representatives, and industry leaders to commemorate the revival of this essential manufacturing capability in the UK.
A key element of this program is the focus on investing in British talent and skills. UK employees underwent comprehensive training and knowledge transfer at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß facility in Germany, acquiring advanced skills in precision manufacturing and quality assurance before returning the expertise to Telford.
Rheinmetall has also tapped into the specialist skills available in the Telford region, underscoring the strength of the local engineering and manufacturing landscape. As production scales up, Rheinmetall intends to continue developing its workforce and collaborate closely with UK small and medium-sized enterprises to create robust, long-term domestic supply chains.
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Defence, stated: “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. 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.”
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, remarked: “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.”
Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of Rheinmetall UK, added: “The official opening of our UK Gun Hall is a landmark moment for Rheinmetall UK and for Britain’s defence industrial base. In just eight months, we transformed an empty facility into an operational manufacturing capability by investing in British people, British skills and British industry.”
The UK Gun Hall serves as a tangible instance of the UK-Germany industrial partnership forged under the Trinity House Agreement. By fusing Rheinmetall’s manufacturing expertise with independent production capabilities in Britain, the initiative illustrates how collaborative industrial efforts can expedite deliveries, enhance resilience, and bolster NATO’s collective security.
The series of investments is poised to reinforce sovereign capabilities, create skilled British employment opportunities, support local businesses, and exhibit how defense investments can yield both national security and economic prosperity.
