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The new factory where the British Army’s latest generation of armoured vehicles has officially opened.

When it becomes fully operational in 2017 there will be 250 people working in the plant in Merthyr Tydfil. They will be working on the final assembly and testing of Ajax, formerly known as Scout, which was designed by General Dynamics in Oakdale.

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The Government announced last summer that the former Linde factory in Merthyr Tydfil would become the new home of Ajax construction.

2,800 jobs

In addition to the 250 jobs at Merthyr, 300 staff at Oakdale have been involved in the development of Ajax and the £4.5bn programme supports around 2,800 jobs across the UK at more than 210 UK-based companies.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “The news is great for Merthyr and great for Wales.

"We’ve built a strong and close working relationship with General Dynamics – one of our anchor companies – and we have supported a number of their key projects that have brought new work and technology to Wales and created hundreds of new jobs.

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“I am delighted we were able to support this latest, strategically important, investment and welcome the considerable associated economic benefits it will create.”

Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Procurement, added: “The opening of this new facility is a major development for both Merthyr Tydfil and the British Army. It is another reminder of the importance of defence investment right across the UK: the Ajax programme alone is sustaining 2,800 jobs across the country, 550 of which are here in Wales.

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“This new facility, like the next generation vehicle it will produce, is more evidence of our £178bn commitment to provide our Armed Forces with the equipment they need. Thanks to the close partnership between the UK Government and industry, this site will spring back into life as a significant centre of employment and bring in valuable skills with a lasting legacy for the entire region.”

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489 vehicles to be built in new factory

Ajax is based on an older vehicle built by General Dynamics for the Spanish and Austrian armed forces, but it has been extensively redesigned to fit the British Army’s requirements with a new engine and gear box, digital systems and – for some versions – a 40mm automatic cannon.

The first 100 vehicles will be completed in Spain to ensure delivery to the Army in 2017, but the remaining 489 will undergo assembly and testing in the new plant.

The first vehicle is expected to be completed at the Merthyr Tydfil facility in 2018, with the first Army units to receive the vehicle equipped by mid-2019 and ready to deploy from the end of 2020.

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Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns said: “The UK Government is determined to see as many MoD projects designed, built and manufactured here in the UK.

“General Dynamics’ decision to bring the assembly, integration and testing of Ajax vehicles to South Wales is an enormous vote of confidence in the skills and expertise of the workforce here in Merthyr Tydfil. This grows the defence footprint in Wales and is an excellent example of the UK and Welsh Governments working together in the interests of the Welsh economy.

Ajax in figures 589 Number to be built £4.5bn Cost of programme 2,800 Total jobs supported

“The Welsh manufacturing sector is surging from strength to strength. Today’s event showcases the invaluable contribution our home-grown talent is making in the provision of first-class protection and support to the brave men and women working in front line situations around the world.”

Eyes and ears of Army

Ajax is designed to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the British Army on the battlefields of the future. The new vehicle will give the army enhanced intelligence, surveillance, protection, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities, and will be able to defend itself with its automatic cannon, which was developed jointly with France.

To date, the MOD has committed £4.5bn in contracts with General Dynamics to deliver the Ajax vehicle.

The British Army’s Chief of the General Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter said: “The opening of this facility is great news for the British Army. Ajax will deliver a first class armoured capability to our ground forces. The combination of firepower, protection and mobility, as well as range and reach, will provide the battle winning edge to our new Strike Brigades.”

Kevin Connell, vice president of General Dynamics Land Systems-UK, added: “Today’s inauguration reaffirms our commitment to delivering world-leading AFVs (armoured fighting vehicles) to the British Army from the UK, and firmly establishes Wales as the home of the UK’s AFV industry.

“I’d like to thank the UK Government, Welsh Government, local council and community for its support as we establish a facility that we can all be proud of, which will lead the way in the delivery of a cutting-edge, fully digitised fleet of vehicles for the British Army.”

Dedicated to VC winner

The new plant is being dedicated to the memory of Sir Tasker Watkins, who won the Victoria Cross during the Second World War for his gallantry in the face of the enemy.

Following the war, Nelson-born Sir Tasker served Wales had a distinguished career in public life, including as president of the Welsh Rugby Union.

Mr Connell said: “Sir Tasker put his service to his men and country before his own safety during the Second World War, and his gallantry deserves to be continually remembered. “Today’s dedication is our way of honouring his memory, and recognising the service of our Armed Forces, who serve our country with distinction every day.”