Rheinmetall Opens Telford Gun Factory, Jobs to Rise to 100
Rheinmetall has opened a new gun barrel factory in Telford, creating 35 jobs that are set to grow to 100, on top of 685 existing staff in the town.
UKIn brief
- Rheinmetall officially opened its UK Gun Hall in Telford, Shropshire, on 22 October 2026.
- The factory has created 35 new jobs so far, expected to rise to 100 as production ramps up.
- Rheinmetall UK already employs 685 staff in Telford.
- The site will make 120mm and 155mm barrels, including for the Challenger 3 tank.
| Country | UK |
|---|---|
| Organization | Rheinmetall UK |
| Official source | Express & Star – Rheinmetall launches new gun barrel factory in Telford ✓ expressandstar.com |
German defence company Rheinmetall has opened a new gun barrel factory in Telford, Shropshire, bringing new manufacturing jobs to the West Midlands. The UK Gun Hall was officially opened on 22 October 2026 and has created 35 new jobs so far. That number is expected to grow to around 100 as production speeds up.
The factory adds to the 685 people Rheinmetall UK already employs in Telford.
Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Hadley Castle, Telford, Shropshire |
| New jobs now | 35 |
| New jobs at full production | About 100 |
| Existing Rheinmetall staff in Telford | 685 |
| Site size | 123,780 sq ft |
| Products | 120mm and 155mm barrels and breeches |
| Expected boost to UK economy | £400 million |
What the factory will make
The site is a renovated former GKN warehouse. At full capacity it can make up to 245 barrels a year in two sizes, plus more than 50 breeches. Products include barrels for the British Army's new Challenger 3 tank and for future artillery systems. It is the first time in about two decades that tank barrels will be made in the UK.
The first staff were trained at Rheinmetall's plant in Unterlüß, Germany, and production started on schedule.
Why it matters for jobs
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said defence in the West Midlands is worth £1.8 billion and supports about 8,000 jobs. Rheinmetall has invested more than £200 million in its UK businesses over the past five years. New factories like this usually create extra work for local suppliers, engineering firms and service companies too.
What kinds of jobs to expect
Rheinmetall has not listed specific roles. Factories of this type typically need:
- CNC machinists and machine operators
- Mechanical and manufacturing engineers
- Quality inspectors and metrology technicians
- Maintenance technicians
- Logistics and stores staff
How to apply
Search for current UK vacancies on Rheinmetall's official careers website at rheinmetall.com/en/career and open the job listings to look for Telford and other UK roles.
What it means for job seekers
- Engineering skills pay off. Machining, welding and quality control experience are valuable in defence manufacturing.
- Check security rules. Defence jobs often need security clearance, which can take time and may have nationality requirements.
- Look at the supply chain. Local suppliers around Telford may also hire as the factory grows.
- Young people: ask about apprenticeships at defence and engineering firms in the area.
Frequently asked questions
How many jobs is the Rheinmetall Telford factory creating?
35 new jobs at first, rising to about 100 once production is at full speed.
What does the Rheinmetall Telford factory make?
120mm and 155mm gun barrels and breeches, including barrels for the Challenger 3 tank and future artillery.
Where can I find Rheinmetall UK jobs?
On Rheinmetall's official careers website, filtered for UK and Telford roles.
Apply only through the official source.
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