Rolls-Royce has launched a new center in Scotland to support the Royal Navy’s submarine programs.
Located in Glasgow, the office will incorporate the company’s broader works for design, manufacturing, and in-service tasks associated with pressurized water reactors that are integrated into the force’s sub-surface fleet.
Part of the facility’s primary work is to assist the development of Dreadnought-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines that will replace the navy’s 90s-era Vanguard-class systems, as well as the AUKUS vessels that are being developed through a trilateral military coordination between the Australian, British, and American governments.
Rolls-Royce said that the center will create about 100 new opportunities, with personnel to be sourced in the region.
Currently, the company’s submarine division consists of over 5,000 members, all supporting the mentioned systems as well as the Royal Navy’s existing Astute-class submarines in Derby. It also provides related services at its Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and naval bases in Faslane and Devonport.
“The work we do for the Royal Navy is of critical strategic importance and, to deliver it, we need to harness talent from across the UK, not just from our base in Derby,” Rolls-Royce Submarines President Steve Carlier stated.
“The opening of our Glasgow office allows us to benefit from the region’s strong pedigree in electrical engineering and add to our own existing pool of nuclear experts.”
“Powering and supporting the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear submarines is a national endeavour, so we’re really excited to open our office and secure new jobs in Glasgow, showing the far-reaching, positive impact of the whole submarines programme.”
Demonstrating ‘Commitment’
The UK Ministry of Defence noted that Rolls-Royce’s latest office will undertake a critical role in bolstering the region’s economy by adopting experts without the need to relocate.
This will benefit the government’s objective to increase its specialists while aligning with the country’s broader Defence Nuclear strategy, the agency said.
“The opening of the new Rolls-Royce office in Glasgow is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent,” UK Defence Procurement and Industry Minister Maria Eagle explained.
“This investment is delivered alongside an important industry partnership and will support high-skilled jobs and economic growth that will benefit our prosperity and security for decades to come.”