Aston Martin’s New Plant On Track To Start Producing SUVs Next Year

Aston Martins makes its luxury GTs in Gaydon. Before that, it made them in Newport Pagnell. But soon it’ll start producing SUVs at its new factory in Wales.

Conversion of the St Athan site in South Wales has been under way since 2016, and has now completed the second of three total phases. The facility used to belong to the UK Ministry of Defence, but will soon begin producing Aston’s first crossover – previewed by the DBX concept in 2015 and expected to be called the Varekai once it reaches production.

With the third and last phase of construction now getting under way, production is slated to begin in late 2019. This final stage involves equipping the three converted super-hangars with the equipment they’ll need to begin automotive production.

“We are delighted at the progress being made at the St Athan site,” said Aston martin CEO Andy Palmer upon meeting with his board of directors at the site for the first time. “The team have done a fantastic job in advancing the facility and I was incredibly proud to chair our first Board meeting at the new plant. Wales has a long history of engineering excellence and the Board is delighted that it will play such an important part in Aston Martin’s development.”

150 workers have already been recruited to the site that’s set to bring up to 750 new jobs to the region.

“I am delighted to see our partnership with Aston Martin, right in the heart of our Cardiff Airport and St Athan Enterprise Zone, coming to fruition,” said UK Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates. “Progress to date continues to match the company’s aspiration for future growth and, when complete, the site will provide highly-skilled employment and world-class apprenticeship opportunities in the automotive sector for many generations to come.”