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Aston Martin to expand UK presence
21st June 2018
Aston Martin Lagonda today announces two important new additions to its UK site operations. The Aston Martin Test and Development Centre at Silverstone will become a new hub for prototype vehicle testing, focused on chassis dynamics and high-speed handling. Concurrently announced is the creation of a central London office providing conveniently located space for meetings and events.
Commenting on these announcements, Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer said: “The company is now investing for growth across the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands. I am particularly pleased that we can now call Silverstone home for dynamic testing and development.”
Stuart Pringle, Managing Director of Silverstone commented “Automotive brand centres have always been a big part of Silverstone’s diversification plans and I am delighted to be in a position to announce that Aston Martin have chosen Silverstone as the location to open their new testing and development centre. Our two brands have such a rich British motorsport heritage and I look forward to working closely with the team at Aston Martin to build on our relationship and ensure the partnership helps deliver on key business objectives for both parties.”
Chief of Vehicle Attribute Engineering, Matt Becker said: “Every true performance car company needs a reference circuit and I can think of none more suitable than Silverstone. It is the perfect location to develop the next-generation of Aston Martins.”
Since the announcement of the company’s seven-year Second Century Business Plan in early 2015, there has been a progressive retooling of every area of the business. In 2016, the company announced the creation of a second manufacturing facility located at St Athan in Wales, which is on schedule to start production of a new SUV in late 2019. With the addition of Silverstone and London, Aston Martin Lagonda will operate out of 10 locations across the UK and by the end of 2022 is set to employ 5,000 people.
“Aston Martin will soon become one of the leading automotive employers in the UK”, said Dr Palmer. “Specifically, we are currently one of the largest automotive recruiters in the UK, investing approximately 10% of the total automotive investments in the UK, creating exciting new opportunities across engineering, design, manufacturing and commercial operations.”