British jobs boost as tank barrel production returns to the UK for first time in 20 years

British Armed Forces will be better equipped to defend the nation, benefiting from sovereign manufacturing capability for the first time in two decades, as Rheinmetall UK begins production at its gun hall in Telford.

The gun hall supports 100 highly skilled jobs, manufactures barrels and breeches for both 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including for RCH 155 and future artillery platforms.

Rheinmetall UK will expand its workforce as production ramps up, building long-term partnerships with British SMEs – strengthening the domestic supply chain for decades to come.

Specialist local workers have been recruited for the production phase, drawing on the strength of Telford’s engineering sector. Local workers have been recruited and trained to do high-value work, supporting economic growth in the region.

The development of the gun hall marks the return of large-calibre weapon manufacturing to UK soil, restoring national capability, strengthening the defence industrial base and supporting reindustrialisation.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting officially opened the gun hall alongside Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker and Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. Rheinmetall UK has gone from an empty site to full production in just eight months, having taken over the facility in Autumn 2025.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP, said:

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.