Aston Martin Lagonda officially opened its new manufacturing facility at St Athan in Wales last month in the presence of Mark Drakeford (First Minister of Wales) and Andy Palmer (Aston Martin Lagonda’s CEO).

While Gaydon in Warwickshire continues to be the home of the company’s sports car production, St Athan is the home of its first SUV, the DBX. When the factory reaches full production in the second quarter of 2020, the company will have created hundreds of skilled jobs.

Mr Drakeford said: “This is a proud moment for Aston Martin, the Welsh Government and Wales. 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.”

Dr Palmer (www.astonmartinlagonda.com) said: “The opening of St Athan is an important milestone in the company’s growth plan and integral to our ambitions as a global luxury brand with a presence in all major sectors of the market.

“It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point.

“Our core business of producing beautiful hand-crafted cars in England is now extended to Wales, which is extremely pertinent to us as a British company.”