New Aston Martin factory opens in St Athan
The luxury car-maker has officially opened its new factory in St Athan, south Wales.
Up to 600 jobs will be created at the Aston Martin St Athan site next year, rising to 750 jobs at peak production.
The 90-acre, former Ministry of Defence base was announced as the second UK plant for Aston Martin Lagonda in early 2016.
Since then the whole site has been transformed into a manufacturing facility for the company's hand-crafted cars.
Aston Martin's first sports utility vehicle (SUV) in its 106-year history will be built there.
It hopes the £158,000 DBX will boost its flagging sales.
The first 'pre-production' versions were made at the factory in June, with full production expected to launch in the second quarter of 2020.
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda president and group chief executive, described the opening as a "pivotal day" for the company and a "vote of confidence in the UK".
He said the Welsh site is "integral to our ambitions as a global luxury brand with a presence in all major sectors of the market".
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford commented: "Locating this world-class and globally recognised brand in St Athan is a huge vote of confidence in the Welsh workforce. It is an example of the Welsh Government's support and can-do attitude driving economic growth and creating jobs."
"I look forward to the first made-in-Wales Aston Martins rolling off the production line next year."