ASTON MARTIN SITE MOTORS ON
The first phase of Aston Martin’s new manufacturing facility in St Athan has been completed. The first Made in Wales vehicle is expected to roll off the production line in 2019.
Work on the Vale of Glamoragn site started towards the end of 2016 when the luxury car company was first given access to the former MoD site.
The phase one works are front-ofhouse, with the factory hangars behind, and have transformed the white shell into a monolithic black building with windows overlooking the Vale countryside.
This first building has seen the completion of the customer and staff reception areas, administration and management offices and the employee restaurant.
While Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ is surrounded by a moat, the Vale facility has used slate chippings with the entrance flanked by six upright slate slabs – a nod to the Welsh location.
The second phase, which started in April 2017, is well under way, and will see the three super-hangars redeveloped into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, with Aston Martin’s SUV due to start production in 2019.
Aston Martin president and chief executive officer Dr Andy Palmer said: “The St Athan facility is really starting to take shape. With the completion of this first phase, it is another milestone on our journey in Wales and an important part of Aston Martin’s Second Century Plan. Work is also well under way on phase two.
“The rest of the Aston Martin team and I are excited for when St Athan joins our Gaydon and Newport Pagnell facilities as a centre of handcrafted manufacturing excellence.”
The first Aston Martin DBX is predicted to roll off the production line by the end of 2019. When production is up to speed, it is expected to produce more than 7,000 vehicles a year.
In 2021, the fully-functioning 4000,000 sq ft facility will employ 750 staff. At present just under 100 have been recruited, with 50 currently training and working in Gaydon.
Aston Martin estimate the facility will help create 2,000 local jobs through the facility’s supply chain.
Customers who buy a DBX made at the St Athan will be able to get a “birth certificate” of their car, along with a £450 “Build Book” showing its construction.
The 107-page books, housed in clamshell presentation boxes, have a section on the history of Aston Martin, the specific model of the car, and pictures of the customer’s vehicle during each stage of production.
At the end of January Dr Palmer accompanied Prime Minister Theresa May on a business delegation to China. The luxury car manufacturer announced a five-year trade and investment drive in China worth over £600m as part of its expansion in the world’s largest automotive market.
Speaking in Beijing, Dr Palmer said: “Our impressive 2017 performance in China reflects increasing demand for our new and special vehicles. The continued roll-out of our new model pipeline, including the company’s first electric vehicle in 2019, will further improve Aston Martin’s market share in this key market, alongside investments we are making to strengthen brand visibility and sales performance.
“These investments reflect our confidence in the Aston Martin brand and the attractiveness of the Chinese market, which was our fastest-growing region in 2017.”
The St Athan-made DBX is expected to be one of Aston Martin’s biggest sellers in China.
Aston Martin China, located in Shanghai, is further strengthening its presence in the region by opening a second office in Beijing in the coming months.
In 2016 Aston Martin selected St Athan from 20 potential global locations for its second manufacturing facility as part of a £200m investment in new products and facilities.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “It is great to hear that work on phase one of Aston Martin’s facility in St Athan is now complete and that phase two is progressing well.
“Aston Martin’s decision to move to St Athan is a huge coup for Wales and it is a genuine testament to the can-do attitude of Welsh Government, and to the reputation, dedication and skills of our workforce.”