Ineos Automotive has announced that its ‘utilitarian’ 4x4 will be named ‘Grenadier’ (after the pub in which it was conceived), and that it will be built in a bespoke new manufacturing facility on a greenfield site in Bridgend, South Wales.

The company’s (www.ineos.com) £600 million investment will create 200 jobs initially, and up to 500 in the
long term.

Site development is now under way to support a planned start of production in 2021.

Ineos Group chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “We have looked long and hard at possible manufacturing locations for Grenadier across the world, with lots of good options to choose from.

“The decision to build in the UK is a significant expression of confidence in British manufacturing, which has always been at the heart of what INEOS stands for.”

Welsh Government Economy and Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “Today’s announcement is great news for Wales, and I’m delighted that Ineos Automotive will be setting up home in Bridgend, which has a long history of skilled manufacturing expertise.

"The Welsh Government has worked closely with the company to make this happen, and I look forward to seeing the development of the new site progress ahead of the planned start of production in 2021.”

Ineos Automotive has confirmed that, in parallel, it will be investing in a sub-assembly plant in Estarreja, Portugal.

This facility will produce the Grenadier’s body and chassis, working in conjunction with Ineos’s European supply chain partners.

Dirk Heilmann, Ineos Automotive CEO, said: “Confirming production in the UK — as well as our investment in Portugal — is a major milestone for the project.

"We are progressing well with the design and engineering work, as well as our marketing and distribution plans. In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing more information about the Grenadier — and engaging with local suppliers, the community and region.”

The Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: “Ineos’s investment will provide a welcome boost to our automotive sector and to this part of Wales, creating important jobs that will contribute to a strengthened economy.

"It is also a clear demonstration of confidence in the UK economy. We have been working closely with the company to bring this investment to Wales, and we are supporting the industry via our Industrial Strategy and Automotive Sector Deal, setting out our vision of how government and industry can work together to solve some of the greatest challenges affecting this sector.

"There have been some significant automotive investments in Wales over the last few years, including at Aston Martin in St Athan.

"Together with the Welsh Government, we will continue to provide incentives for firms like Ineos to make Wales their home.”