Defence technology firm Rheinmetall Electronics UK has acquired a major commercial site in Ryde as part of ambitious expansion plans on the Isle of Wight.
The substantial Nicholson Road premises, known as The Green House, had been on the market for £2.9million – but is now confirmed as sold by commercial property agent Scotcher & Co.
The 40,000ft² property includes extensive office and warehouse accommodation, laboratories and production space, alongside more than 60 parking spaces.
It has now been revealed that Rheinmetall Electronics UK, which is already headquartered at St Cross Business Park in Newport, is behind the acquisition as the company looks to significantly expand its presence on the Isle of Wight.
The firm develops defence electronics and technology used across a number of military programmes, including systems associated with the British Army’s Challenger 3 main battle tank and Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Rheinmetall has recently secured a share of a contract worth just under €1billion as part of the Army Collective Training System.
A Rheinmetall spokesperson has today (Monday) said:
“Rheinmetall Electronics UK has this month taken possession of a new building for their Headquarters and main operations on the Isle of Wight.
Article continues below this advertisement “The building in Ryde will house its production, operations and business support teams, relocating their current leased facility in Newport. The company will now begin a period of redesign and fit out to tailor the premises to their manufacturing needs prior to occupation.
“Rheinmetall Electronics UK are proud to make this investment as part of its growth and expansion plans. The company continues to create high-value careers, investing in staff and sourcing material, goods and services from the local community.”
Rheinmetall Electronics UK can trace its local operation back more than 25 years, with the business originally established as RFEL in 1999 before being acquired by Rheinmetall in 2009.
Nice to see some hi-tech business progressing on the Island, perhaps leading to quality job prospects?
A German defence company in good old blighty.
What is your point?
Gradually we see the threat of a not too distant war building. Best give give the kids an extra cuddle and tuck them in well, for their futures in a few short years could be very very different to the life we have known.
Let’s hope that by then any American President will come to our aid, for the inhabitants we now have here won’t.
Sure, Rheinmetall are in the defence industry, but so are BAe Systems, and other companies that are there to meet a ‘defence’ need.
Let’s hope Mr T. keeps his fingers away from the big red button…
Good wishes to you and yours…
BBSL, thank you, and hope my fears are misplaced, but seems the world order, if threatened, ie Russia, America won’t easily just roll over, and whilst China is a future threat, feel that thus far, they prefer to absorb other nations than fight them, but even that may change as the worlds competes for dominance of the new, AI and energy ‘industrial revolution’. Stay safe.
People keep telling us these countries are our
enemy, the enemy is closer than we think.
“It is easy to distract people from what is really going on”
For years we have been told Russia was a threat
‘Here we go back in the USSR’
Unusual a german defence company opening
in Britain especially being we are not in the EU.
Makes one wonder.
That is very true, since 1945 people have had it
so good.
All good things come to an end.
Getting ready for WW3, now maybe the time to build
Anderson shelters in ones garden.
Before people start breaking out their old nissan huts and find grandad’s tin helmet in the loft the situation around a potential conflict has not changed, putin postures but realises he cannot defeat one counry let alone nato . we may or may not get the help of the USA, who usually turn up late, to any conflict, putin will not consider nuclear options as russia would also become a wasteland, so ask yourself who is peddling these war mongering stories and for what benefit.