Telford’s MP Lucy Allan was treated to a ride in a Warrior armoured vehicle as she visited BAE Systems Land UK in Telford to learn about huge growth opportunities at the site.

The visit came off the back of news that the Ministry of Defence is planning to re-join the Boxer programme, which could see hundreds of new Mechanised Infantry Vehicles developed at Telford.

Lucy toured the factory where the vehicles could be built, and learnt about other upcoming projects including the bid to modernise the British Army’s main battle tank (the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme), and the TYRO bid for the British Army’s new bridging requirements, which would see a new vehicle-based bridging system being developed in Telford.

Success with these bids could see many new jobs created at the site, as well as in the local area through huge supply chain growth.

After a ride in a Warrior tracked vehicle, which is used by both the British and Kuwaiti armies, Lucy met with Land UK apprentices and trade union representatives and discussed the role of the company within the town, and the manufacturing and design opportunities it provides, as well as hearing how the site is preparing for the potential increase in employee numbers.

Following the visit, Lucy Allan said:

“I was delighted to visit BAE Systems in Telford to learn about the armoured vehicles which are so important for our national security.

“The site already generates huge sums of money for the wider local economy, as well as creating hundreds of jobs for the Telford area. BAE is so important for Telford’s future.

“I look forward to supporting BAE Systems’ contract bids which will bring in further benefits to Telford in the coming years.”