Mark Pritchard, Conservative MP for The Wrekin, has invited defence minister Maria Eagle to visit the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) facility in Hadley, Telford, as he continues to advocate for a gun-barrel factory to be established in his constituency.
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, which manufactures the Challenger 3 tank and Boxer armoured vehicle, is seeking a location for the first UK gun-barrel factory in over a decade. This initiative follows a recent co-operation agreement between the British and German governments, which aims to strengthen collaboration on long-range strike weapons and defensive systems.
While primarily focused on defence manufacturing, the proposed factory could signal opportunities for the UK’s wider firearms industry, including the hunting and shooting retail sector. Innovations in barrel production and materials developed for military use often influence civilian firearm technology over time, potentially benefiting UK-based retailers.
A Rheinmetall spokesperson confirmed that the company is working with the Department for Business and Trade to determine the factory’s location, with production expected to begin in 2027. The facility would represent a significant investment in the UK’s defence manufacturing capabilities, supporting domestic production and bilateral ties with Germany.
During a parliamentary debate on defence industry strategy, Mr Pritchard emphasised the importance of the local “skills cluster” in Telford as a key factor in the decision-making process. He also highlighted the broader benefits of onshoring barrel technology and engineering.
He said: “As part of the defence industrial strategy, does the Minister of State recognise the link between successful defence vehicle manufacturing, such as Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land manufacturing the Challenger 3 tank in my constituency, and the onshoring of barrel technology and defence engineering?
“Does she recognise the link between that skills cluster and the importance of companies such as RBSL having a future in manufacturing not just vehicles but barrels? I look forward to her visit to my constituency in the coming days.”
Maria Eagle, responding to Mr Pritchard, acknowledged the importance of fostering clusters of excellence in specialist skills to support the defence industry:
“I do not disagree at all. I look forward to visiting the right honourable gentleman’s constituency and to seeing the potential of firms. He is completely correct that clusters of excellence and skill are the way forward. I look forward to visiting his constituency shortly.”
For UK hunting and shooting retailers, the establishment of a domestic gun-barrel factory could eventually lead to greater availability of British-made barrels and firearm components, boosting the supply chain for UK manufacturers and retailers. By advancing barrel-making technology and investing in domestic production, the trickle-down benefits could result in innovations that support the civilian firearms market.
As discussions continue, the proposed factory represents an important step in strengthening the UK’s defence manufacturing sector while hinting at potential long-term benefits for the country’s hunting and shooting industries.
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