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Rheinmetall and BAE Systems Land (RBSL), the companies’ UK-based military vehicle joint venture, has officially launched.
RBSL will be headquartered in Telford in the West Midlands, and "intends to play a major role in manufacturing the Boxer 8x8 for the British Army’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program and other strategic combat vehicle programs, while also providing support to the British Army’s in-service bridging and armoured vehicle fleets".
“This announcement is a clear vote of confidence in the UK’s defence industry as a world-leader in designing, supplying and supporting military vehicles," UK Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said.
"This exciting venture clearly demonstrates how Defence sits at the heart of the prosperity agenda. Its benefits will be felt in the West Midlands and across the UK defence supply chain, creating jobs, boosting exports and guaranteeing our technical skills base into the future.”
The joint venture is estimated to sustain around 450 jobs across the UK, and is "well positioned" for future growth.
"RBSL is a new business drawing on the significant strengths and expertise of both BAE Systems Land UK and Rheinmetall," Peter Hardisty, managing director of RBSL said.
"Our employees in Telford, Bristol, and Washington (UK) have a valuable skill set and extensive experience in combat vehicle engineering. With new orders, we shall be able to sustain these capabilities and expand over the coming years, seeking new opportunities in the UK and overseas.”
Other appointments to the RBSL management included Carrie White as finance director and Phil Simon as operations director, both of whom join from BAE Systems.
Regulatory approval for the joint venture was granted on 13 June 2019.
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