The end of phase two marks the completion of building work at the facility, which involves the conversion of three hangars at the former MoD site into a state-of-the-art vehicle factory. The occasion was marked by the first meeting at the factory of Aston Martin’s board of directors, who were briefed on the progress of the building works.
The new factory is set to be the home of production of the company’s first sports utility vehicle, production of which is due to begin in late 2019. It will create up to 750 new jobs, 150 of which have been recruited as part of the pre-production preparations.
The third phase, the fit-out of the hangars, has already begun ahead of the inaugural production run, planned for 2019 as part of the company’s Second Century Plan.
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted at the progress being made at the St Athan site. The team have done a fantastic job in advancing the facility and I was incredibly proud to chair our first Board meeting at the new plant. Wales has a long history of engineering excellence and the Board is delighted that it will play such an important part in Aston Martin’s development.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport Ken Skates said: “I am delighted to see our partnership with Aston Martin, right in the heart of our Cardiff Airport and St Athan Enterprise Zone, coming to fruition.
“Progress to date continues to match the company’s aspiration for future growth and, when complete, the site will provide highly-skilled employment and world-class apprenticeship opportunities in the automotive sector for many generations to come. I wish them the same success with the next phase.”
