Aston Martin’s new manufacturing facility in St Athan in Wales entered its ‘Phase I’ construction process after the company’s CEO Andy Palmer met with Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones to finalize the sale of the site.
Back in February, the British sports car maker announced that they had chosen St Athan from 20 potential global locations as their second manufacturing facility, which is set to build Aston Martin’s first SUV.
The company also initiated a recruitment drive last summer to hire 750 new employees who will work in the new factory.
“Since taking the decision to build our first SUV in Wales we have been impressed with the commitment and approach from both the MOD and the Welsh Government in making this project work”, said Andy Palmer, Aston Martin CEO. “We continue to work with the Welsh Government in areas like recruitment to ensure we are able to meet our project timescales.”
With the contracts now exchanged, the new St Athan site enters its ‘Phase I’ which involves the creation of the customer and staff reception areas, administration and management offices and the employee restaurant.
‘Phase II’ will commence in April 2017, when Aston Martin will be granted access to the three Ministry of Defence Super Hangars that will house the new manufacturing facility which represents a £200 million investment ($252 million).
Aston Martin’s upcoming crossover is expected to take inspiration from the DBX concept, with the company expecting it to become their best-seller once it arrives in the market in 2019.
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