Saab UK Opens State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Fareham

Saab UK has officially opened its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fareham, Hampshire, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and the UK’s defense sector. The new campus, developed as part of a 2023 investment, is designed to enhance the UK’s sovereign radar and underwater robotics manufacturing capabilities. This facility will support up to 400 jobs and provide local opportunities for apprenticeships, benefiting both domestic customers and international export markets.

Introduction to Saab UK Manufacturing Facility

Saab UK has announced the official opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fareham, Hampshire, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. The facility, which was opened by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, is a testament to Saab’s commitment to the UK defense sector. The new campus, comprising three buildings, will develop, manufacture, and support Saab’s radar systems and market-leading Seaeye underwater robotics portfolio. This includes key products such as the Giraffe 1X 3D multi-mission radar and the Seaeye SR20 all-electric subsea remotely operated vehicle.

The facility, which was completed in 2023, supports up to 400 jobs and provides local opportunities for apprenticeships. It enhances the UK’s sovereign radar and underwater robotics manufacturing capabilities, serving both domestic customers and international export markets. The site is expected to significantly benefit the UK Ministry of Defence, acting as a center of excellence ready to meet future customer radar requirements and servicing. Additionally, it will support in-service radars operated by the UK Armed Forces, including the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB air defense radars, and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery locating radars.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, highlighted the facility’s importance, stating, “This new campus is testament to Saab’s growth in the UK, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the UK’s defense. Thanks to our investment here, we will deliver innovative technologies and products for our customers. We are pleased to have the Secretary of State for Business and Trade join us today to mark this important occasion and to underline the important relationship between Saab and the UK.”

The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, emphasized the facility’s contribution to the UK’s economic growth, saying, “Following the Government’s pledge to go further and faster to grow the economy, this is another vote of confidence in the UK, our world-class defense sector, and our upcoming Industrial Strategy. Saab’s investment in Hampshire has brought a major boost to local communities with hundreds of new high-paid, high-skilled jobs, and is exactly the sort of growth our pro-business, pro-growth Industrial Strategy will support.”

Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, underscored the facility’s role in driving innovation and job creation, stating, “This major investment has demonstrated how defense is an engine for growth. Saab’s new facility strengthens support for the radars that help protect our Armed Forces, having created highly skilled jobs while driving innovation. With promising apprenticeship opportunities, this site is helping to drive the jobs of the future – ensuring the next generation has the expertise to keep Britain at the forefront of defense technology.”

This facility is part of Saab’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in the UK defense sector, aligning with the government’s Industrial Strategy to support growth and job creation. The opening of this advanced manufacturing facility is a significant step forward in Saab’s commitment to the UK’s defense capabilities and economic development. Saab’s advanced UK manufacturing facility officially opens

Facility Details and Capabilities

The new facility in Fareham, Hampshire, is a state-of-the-art campus consisting of three buildings. This advanced manufacturing site was officially opened by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, marking a significant milestone in Saab UK’s growth trajectory. The campus is designed to develop, manufacture, and support Saab’s radar systems and its market-leading Seaeye underwater robotics portfolio. This includes the 3D multi-mission radar, Giraffe 1X, and the all-electric subsea remotely operated vehicle, Seaeye SR20.

The opening of this facility marks the culmination of an investment pledged by Saab in 2023. The site is expected to support up to 400 jobs, providing valuable opportunities for local apprenticeships. This investment enhances the UK’s sovereign capabilities in radar and underwater robotics manufacturing, catering to both domestic and international markets, with room for future expansion.

Saab’s new campus is poised to significantly benefit the UK Ministry of Defence. The facility is positioned as a center of excellence, equipped to meet future customer radar requirements and servicing needs. It will also support in-service radars operated by the UK Armed Forces, including the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB air defense radars, and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery locating radars.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, emphasized the facility’s importance in reinforcing Saab’s long-term commitment to the UK’s defense sector. He highlighted that the investment will enable the delivery of innovative technologies and products to customers. He expressed gratitude for the Secretary of State for Business and Trade’s presence to mark this occasion and to underscore the strong relationship between Saab and the UK.

Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, praised Saab’s investment in Hampshire, describing it as a major boost to local communities. He noted that the facility brings hundreds of new high-paid, high-skilled jobs, aligning perfectly with the UK’s pro-business, pro-growth Industrial Strategy. This investment is seen as a vote of confidence in the UK’s world-class defense sector and its upcoming Industrial Strategy.

The facility’s strategic location in Fareham, Hampshire, further enhances its operational efficiency and accessibility. This location not only supports Saab’s operational needs but also aligns with the UK’s broader defense and industrial strategy objectives. The campus’s advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment ensure that it can handle the complex requirements of developing and manufacturing advanced radar systems and subsea ROVs.

In summary, the opening of Saab UK’s new advanced manufacturing facility in Fareham is a testament to the company’s commitment to the UK’s defense sector. This investment not only strengthens Saab’s capabilities in radar and underwater robotics but also creates significant economic and employment opportunities for the local community. The facility’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure position it as a key player in the UK’s defense and industrial landscape, ready to meet current and future customer requirements. World Oil

Economic and Job Impact

The new facility in Fareham, Hampshire, is set to support up to 400 jobs, providing local opportunities for apprenticeships and enhancing the UK’s sovereign radar and underwater robotics manufacturing capabilities. The site will develop, manufacture, and support Saab’s radar systems and market-leading Seaeye underwater robotics. This investment is expected to bring a significant boost to local communities and the UK’s defense sector, aligning with the government’s pro-business and pro-growth Industrial Strategy.

The secretary of state for business and trade, Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, praised the facility as a major boost for Hampshire and the UK. He stated, “Following the Government’s pledge to go further and faster to grow the economy, this is another vote of confidence in the UK, our world-class defense sector, and our upcoming Industrial Strategy. Saab’s investment in Hampshire has brought a major boost to local communities with hundreds of new high-paid, high-skilled jobs, and is exactly the sort of growth our pro-business, pro-growth Industrial Strategy will support” Portsmouth.

The secretary of state for defense, Rt Hon John Healey MP, also welcomed the new facility, emphasizing its role in strengthening manufacturing and support for radars that protect the UK Armed Forces. He highlighted the promising apprenticeship opportunities, stating, “This major investment has demonstrated how defense is an engine for growth. Saab’s new facility strengthens manufacturing and support for the radars that help protect our Armed Forces, having created highly skilled jobs while driving innovation. With promising apprenticeship opportunities, this site is helping to drive the jobs of the future – ensuring the next generation has the expertise to keep Britain at the forefront of defense technology” ADs Advance.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to the UK’s defense. He said, “This new campus is testament to Saab’s growth in the UK, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the UK’s defense. Thanks to our investment here we will deliver innovative technologies and products for our customers. We are pleased to have the Secretary of State for Business and Trade join us today to mark this important occasion and to underline the important relationship between Saab and the UK” Insider Media.

The facility’s opening is expected to enhance the UK’s sovereign radar and underwater robotics manufacturing capability, with support for in-service radars operated by the UK Armed Forces, including the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB air defense radars, and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery locating radars. This investment aligns with the government’s Industrial Strategy, which aims to boost the UK’s defense sector and create high-skilled jobs. The new facility is a testament to Saab’s commitment to the UK, reinforcing its long-term partnership with the country.

Government and Industry Reactions

The opening of Saab UK’s advanced manufacturing facility in Fareham has sparked significant reactions from both government officials and industry experts. The facility, set to become a hub for the development and production of advanced defense systems, has been met with enthusiasm and recognition of its strategic importance.

The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, has praised the facility as a testament to the UK’s commitment to advanced manufacturing and innovation. In a statement, Reynolds highlighted that the facility aligns perfectly with the Government’s industrial strategy, which aims to strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing. He emphasized the facility’s potential to create high-value jobs and attract investment, further boosting the UK’s manufacturing sector Jonathan Reynolds MP.

Similarly, the Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, has underscored the facility’s critical role in supporting the UK’s defense capabilities. Healey noted that the facility will enable the UK to maintain and enhance its defense capabilities, ensuring that the country remains a leader in military technology. Healey’s statement underscored the facility’s significance in meeting future defense needs and supporting the UK’s defense industry John Healey MP.

Industry experts have also expressed their support for the facility. They have praised Saab UK’s investment in the facility as a significant step towards revitalizing the UK’s defense manufacturing sector. The facility’s focus on advanced defense systems, including radar technology and underwater robotics, has been seen as a crucial step in addressing the UK’s defense needs and ensuring technological superiority.

The reactions from government officials and industry experts reflect the facility’s significance to the UK’s defense sector and industrial strategy. The facility is seen as a key component in the UK’s efforts to maintain and enhance its defense capabilities while supporting the growth of its manufacturing sector. As the facility comes online, it is expected to play a pivotal role in the UK’s defense and industrial landscape, attracting investment and creating high-value jobs.

Future Plans and Growth

The new manufacturing facility in Fareham, Hampshire, marks a significant milestone for Saab UK, enhancing the country’s sovereign radar and underwater robotics manufacturing capabilities. The site, officially opened by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, supports up to 400 jobs and offers local apprenticeship opportunities. This investment is part of Saab’s long-term commitment to the UK’s defense sector, with the facility set to benefit both domestic and international customers. The facility is expected to significantly support the UK Ministry of Defence, meeting future customer radar requirements and servicing in-service radars operated by the UK Armed Forces, including the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB air defense radars, and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery locating radars. Saab’s President and CEO, Micael Johansson, highlighted the facility’s importance in delivering innovative technologies and products, while Reynolds emphasized the investment’s role in boosting local communities and supporting the UK’s Industrial Strategy. The facility’s capacity for further growth positions it as a center of excellence in radar and underwater robotics manufacturing, Saab.

Conclusion

The opening of Saab UK’s new manufacturing facility in Fareham is a testament to the company’s commitment to the UK’s defense sector. With its advanced capabilities and support for up to 400 jobs, the facility is poised to significantly benefit the UK Ministry of Defence and contribute to the country’s technological and economic growth.

Sources

• ADs Advance – Construction starts on British Army healthcare facility at Leuchars Station
• Gov.uk – Jonathan Reynolds MP
• Insider Media – Saab unveils advanced manufacturing facility expected to benefit UK Ministry of Defence
• PES Media – Saab’s advanced UK manufacturing facility officially opens
• Portsmouth – Saab UK open advanced manufacturing facility in Fareham
• Saab – Saab’s advanced UK manufacturing facility opened by Secretary of State
• World Oil – Saab UK opens new facility to develop advanced radar systems, subsea ROVs