By Jamie White – Head of Communications
Jaguar Land Rover has announced plans to create 1,300 new jobs at its manufacturing plant in Solihull.
The news follows confirmation that the UK’s largest manufacturing investor will add a further new Jaguar model to its product portfolio – the Jaguar SUV performance crossover – which is set to go on sale in 2016 and follows the Jaguar XE into the new facilities at the plant.
Jaguar Land Rover CEO Dr. Ralf Speth said: “Jaguar Land Rover is committed to delivering more great products. It is that innovation and relentless quest for new technologies that sets our products apart. We want to offer customers greater choice, with even more exciting vehicles, crafted with that special British flair.
“We want to improve the quality of life for our customers and for our own employees, creating opportunities for more people to be part of the Jaguar Land Rover experience.”
To support the introduction of its new aluminium and lightweight technologies Jaguar Land Rover has already invested £1.5bn. The new facilities represent the largest single investment in the Solihull plant in its 70 year history and created an impressive factory within a factory.
Incorporating Europe’s largest aluminum body shop and final assembly hall – collectively the size of 22 football pitches – the new facilities bring the Jaguar brand to Solihull for the first time.
Jaguar Land Rover continues on its path of measured and sustainable growth with record full year retail sales in 2014 of 462,678 – double 2008. A 2014/15 fiscal year investment of £3.75bn in product creation has seen the introduction of a host of new and exciting products and business expansion.
The company’s headcount has also increased to 32,000, 10,000 more than were employed just four years ago.
Applications for the new roles are now being accepted and following its commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for former service personnel in the wake of the Invictus Games, Jaguar Land Rover is welcoming applications from military personnel who are leaving or have left the services.
The Solihull plant builds world-renowned vehicles such as the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Land Rover Discovery, and is home to the iconic Defender. Most recently, the site has welcomed the first Jaguar in its history, with the introduction of the new Jaguar XE, which begins production in the spring.
