Aston Martin to make Welsh plant 'home of electrification'

Credit: Loona/Abaca/ABACA/PA Images

Luxury car maker Aston Martin says its new plant at St Athan will be the ‘home of electrification’.

The company has made the announcement ahead of production starting on the first Battery Electric Vehicle. The Rapide E will be built in the Vale of Glamorgan from next year.

The new plant will produce the brand's electric vehicles. Credit: Aston Martin

Aston Martin also says the Lagonda brand, the world's first zero emission luxury marque, will be manufactured at the new factory.

The news has been welcomed as a vote of confidence in Wales - securing the 750 jobs already promised by the firm. First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said the move is "another huge win for Wales" and "testament to the reputation, dedication and skills of our workforce".

The luxury car company is opening a new factory in St Athan Credit: PA Images

Aston Martin President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer, has said the St Athan plant will help develop new technologies.

The company says St Athan is a demonstration of Aston Martin’s continued commitment to the UK. More than 150 new workers have already been recruited at the plant.