Heavy artillery barrel manufacturing has been re-established in the United Kingdom for the first time in two decades, following the launch of a new industrial facility in Telford.

Operated by the German defence contractor Rheinmetall, the newly inaugurated UK Gun Hall is dedicated to the fabrication of barrels and breeches for large-caliber military armaments. The plant will supply critical components for 120mm and 155mm weapon platforms, which include systems designated for the RCH 155 and future artillery deployments.

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting participated in the opening ceremony for the site, marking the occasion by stating that the nation had returned to domestic armaments manufacturing. He highlighted the speed of the project, noting that the location transitioned from an undeveloped plot to an active manufacturing plant within a span of eight months.

The initiative has generated one hundred high-skilled positions in advanced engineering. Prior to the factory becoming operational, newly hired personnel from the local area completed specialized training at a Rheinmetall facility in Germany, focusing on precision production methods and quality control standards. Company executives have indicated that further workforce expansion is planned as manufacturing output increases.

Rheinmetall already maintains a significant presence within the British defence sector, participating in the ongoing modernization of Challenger tanks and the Boxer combat vehicle programme. Armin Papperger, the chief executive of Rheinmetall, described the launch of the Telford facility as a critical step in reinforcing the nation's industrial capacity for the long term.

Papperger noted that high demand for military equipment necessitated additional production capacity beyond the firm's existing operations in Germany. He praised the local talent pool, citing the availability of skilled and motivated workers in the area.

The defence contractor currently employs over a thousand people across its various British operations, with expectations for that total to rise. Officials at the launch event emphasized that the investment reflects confidence in the regional manufacturing sector and supports wider government goals aimed at industrial renewal and job creation.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.