2 minute read - 26th September 2023
MoD contract sees MTL Advanced create 250 new positions
Contract manufacturing and fabrication specialist MTL Advanced has secured additional multi-million pound, multi-year defence contracts from KNDS for the UK’s Boxer vehicle programme that will see 250 new positions created at the Rotherham-based firm.
On the back of these recent contract awards, MTL Advanced has invested over £2.5m in new equipment so far in 2023 and is set to make further significant investments in new equipment and additional manufacturing footprint during 2024.
MTL is adding to its current contract to supply armoured steel kits of parts for over 450 drive modules to the KNDS fabrication line in Stockport. In addition to this existing contract, MTL has now also been awarded a further contract to undertake the full fabrication and assembly of mission modules. These contracts have a combined value in excess of £40m over the next eight years.
MTL Advanced is creating 100 new jobs and 150 new apprenticeships after securing contracts worth £40m for the Boxer programme / Picture: Picture: © Crown Copyright/Ministry of Defence
MTL Advanced said one of the key highlights of these new contracts is the substantial impact on job creation and apprenticeship opportunities at its 300,000 sq ft facility in Rotherham. MTL Advanced is expecting to hire up to 100 additional staff and create a further 150 apprenticeship positions through its in-house training academy over the duration of the contract.
The 8×8 Boxer is a highly versatile and technologically advanced platform, designed to meet the evolving requirements of modern armed forces across the globe. The vehicle is designed to be highly modular, with a variety of mission modules that can be swapped out to meet different operational requirements, including armoured personnel carrier, specialist carrier vehicle, command post, and ambulance.
Karl Stewart, general manager of MTL Advanced, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these prestigious contracts. This achievement not only reinforces our position as a trusted partner in the defence industry, but also reflects the exceptional capabilities of our factory and our team. We are proud to be contributing to the production of the UK’s Boxer vehicles, which will play a vital role in enhancing the operational capabilities of the British armed forces. Contracts of this type allow the business to grow its workforce in both skilled labour and invest in the future through our award-winning apprenticeship scheme. Based on this and other contracts which MTL has won over the last 6 months, the company is expecting to hire over 50 additional staff during 2024 and create opportunities for a further 15 apprenticeship positions per year.”
Ian Anderton, managing director of WFEL (a company of KNDS), added: “KNDS demands the highest quality components and service levels from its sub-contractors and as MTL meets these rigorous requirements, we are pleased to welcome them to our UK supply chain. Partnerships like this highlight our commitment to a long-term collaborative approach supporting co-investment in delivery, innovation and manufacturing in the UK.”