MilDef has opened a manufacturing facility at the Bro Tathan business park near Cardiff, Wales. The new facility manufactures MilDef’s tactical IT platform for the £25 million RBSL contract won in 2020, as well as providing a non-EU platform for global sales of MilDef’s products.
The official inauguration of the UK facility is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023 with the participation of representatives from MilDef, Members of Parliament and the Welsh Government. The new production and office building comprises approximately 500 square meters where production of MilDef's technology for tactical IT has now started. Primarily, the facility will deliver to the ten-year contract with Rheinmetall BAE Systems for computers, servers, and switches to the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program.
The expanding UK business will also be used in the context of international trade agreements with former Commonwealth nations such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Initially, six new full-time employments will be created in connection with this new footprint.
”We have a long history of proudly serving the UK market. With new investments into production facilities, local sourcing, and an expanded team in the UK, MilDef is showing commitment and determination to continue growing. Our technology and local security of supply will support UK military customers for many years to come”, says Björn Karlsson, CEO MilDef Group.
“The MIV contract has significantly changed the operation of MilDef in the UK. It has provided MilDef with a springboard to expand its production capability outside of the European Union for the first time in its history. Our focus is now on delivery of the first production units off the UK production lines in 2023, says Greg Clark, MD MilDef UK.
MilDef's new facility is near Cardiff International Airport, adding speed to supply-chain and delivery. Historically, the airport has played an important role in aircraft maintenance and training since the airfield's official opening in 1938. After the end of World War II, base St. Athan remained an important technical training center for the RAF. The Welsh Government has now transferred the airfield to civilian hands.
The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below, at 09:00 CET on November 23, 2022.