Phase I of Aston Martin‘s new manufacturing center at St Athan in Wales got the thumbs-up when Aston Martin President and CEO Andy Palmer met Welsh First Minister, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM to settle the sale of the St Athan site to the British high-end automaker.
In February 2016, Aston Martin revealed that it had picked St Athan from 20 potential worldwide places as its second manufacturing facility as part of a ₤ 200 million ($249.78 million) investment in new products and centers. A recruitment drive this summertime started the search for approximately 750 new Aston Martin staff members who will operate at the new facility, a variety of whom have already begun their training, developing the new DB11 at its Gaydon Head office.
Aston Martin President and CEO Andy Palmer stated: “The exchanging of this contract, providing us first access to the St Athan facility, is a milestone in our 103-year history. Work now begins in earnest to turn our plans into reality.
“Since taking the decision to build our first SUV in Wales we have been impressed with the dedication and approach from both the MOD and the Welsh Government in making this project work. We continue to work with the Welsh Government in areas like recruitment to guarantee we are able to meet our project timescales.”
With agreements now exchanged, Aston Martin has actually now commenced work on ‘Phase I’ of the St Athan site that includes the development of the customer and personnel reception locations, administration and management offices and the employee restaurant. The contract for these tasks was awarded to local Welsh firm TRJ Contracting beating off competition from a variety of larger nationwide companies.
‘Phase II’ will begin in April 2017 when Aston Martin will gain access to the three Ministry of Defence ‘Super Hangars’ that will house the new production facility.
First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones stated: “We are delighted that Aston Martin has opted to locate its new manufacturing center here in Wales. The move is great news for the Vale of Glamorgan and surrounding locations, and will supply a real increase to the local economy, leading to thousands of high quality jobs both within Aston Martin and the broader supply chain.
“We have worked closely with Aston Martin throughout this procedure and I am proud that our joint hard work and co-operation will lead to some 750 of our skilled workers developing the Aston Martins of the future.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP, stated: “Aston Martin selecting Wales sends out a clear message to leading international companies worldwide that Wales is open for service.
“We have produced the ideal conditions for financial growth, which helped attract this distinct and innovative vehicle manufacturer to South Wales. Today’s announcement shows the exceptional infrastructure, a world class talent pool and businesses that have the confidence to expand in Wales.”
