‘Landmark’ investment by Aston Martin

Aston Martin has today (February 24) announced its new SUV vehicle will be built in Wales creating 750 new highly skilled jobs and up to 1,000 jobs in total in the wider supply chain.

Unite welcomed the much needed investment in Welsh manufacturing.

“This is a real coup for Wales and a landmark investment,” said Andy Richards, Wales secretary.

“Aston Martin is a prestigious brand, and its investment in Wales is much needed good news for our manufacturing sector,” he added.

The DBX Concept car will be hand-made in a super hangar at St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan. Each car takes 200 hours to build.

“The decision to locate it in Wales will provide a massive boost to our automotive supply chain,” said Andy.

“A lot of credit must go to first minister Carwyn Jones on delivering this boost for Wales,” he added.

Wales business minister Edwina Hart said it has been almost 50 years since a car rolled off a production line in Wales.

Success

The result is clear proof that when a government actively supports an industry, success is a far more likely outcome.

“This shows what can be done when you have a manufacturing strategy and support from government and business,” said Tony Burke, Unite assistant general secretary.

“It is another shot in the arm for manufacturing and shows the strength of our car industry to which our members have contributed massively,” he added.

Unite has been aware for some time that Aston Martin was having discussions around the globe seeking a home for a new additional manufacturing site.

There has been a smaller boost for the Midlands with the car manufacturer announcing it would be producing its new all electric RapidE at its main site in Gaydon, Warwickshire, from 2018.

“The creation of 1,000 new jobs both at St Athan and at the existing main site, Gaydon Manufacturing is extremely good news both for Wales and the Midlands,” said Tim Parker Unite regional officer.

“We see this as a vote of confidence and a commitment by the company’s owners in Aston Martin’s future, in the UK and recognition of the world beating skills and expertise of the UK car industries workforce as a whole,” he added.

Work on the St Athan factory will start in 2017 and production will start three years later.

“Unite looks forward to continuing to work with Aston Martin to secure and grow both the long term future of the business and our members jobs across the whole of the company’s UK sites,” said Tim.