Ineos, a major multi-national chemicals concern, has confirmed that the Grenadier will be built in bespoke new facilities at Bridgend, South Wales. Around 200 jobs will be created initially, with up to 500 in the longer term, as production is set to commence in 2021.
The Group Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, stated: “Our 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.”
In 2017, Sir Jim, a car enthusiast and experienced adventurer, identified a gap in the market for a stripped back, utilitarian, hard-working 4x4 engineered for modern day compliance and reliability. Ineos Automotive Ltd was formed and a senior team of automotive professionals assembled to bring the vision to reality with a fresh perspective of 4x4 development and manufacturing.
Combining rugged British spirit with German engineering rigour, the Grenadier is intended to be uncompromising but engineered to overcome all conditions and it will provide best-in-class off-road capabilities, durability and reliability to international customers depending on a vehicle as a working tool. On the engineering front, Ineos is moving into series development, with announcements on appointed suppliers and partners to be made in the coming months.
Ineos Automotive is a subsidiary of Ineos Group (www.ineos.com), a leading manufacturer of petrochemicals, speciality chemicals and oil products. It employs 22,000 people across 34 businesses, with a production network spanning 183 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries. From paints to plastics, textiles to technology, medicines to mobile phones, materials manufactured by Ineos enhance almost every aspect of modern life. In 2018, Ineos had sales of around $60bn and EBITDA of around $6bn.
Ineos Automotive has confirmed that it will be investing in parallel in a sub-assembly plant in Estarreja, Portugal. The facility will produce the Grenadier’s body and chassis, working in conjunction with INEOS’s European supply chain partners.
Dirk Heilmann, CEO of Ineos Automotive, commented: “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.”
For a new brand that was developed off the back of JLR’s decision to cease Defender production four years ago, Ineos needs to be careful that its future is not based purely on an emotional reaction arising from Sir Jim’s desire to acquire the former Defender production line hardware. Making vehicles can be a most effective money sluice and the present state of the vehicle market could be described as friable.
