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Business secretary opens Saab's Hampshire base

Saab Jonathan Reynolds smiling and talking to a woman, whose face cannot be seen, stood next to Mr Johansson in what appears to be Saab's factory.Saab
Mr Johansson (second left) showed Mr Reynolds (third left) around Saab's Fareham facility on Tuesday

A new state-of-the-art manufacturing site run by Saab in Hampshire was opened by the business and trade secretary.

The Fareham site is being used to develop, make and support the company's radar and underwater robotics systems and it said the opening was "a milestone" in its "continued growth".

It said the facility, officially opened by Jonathan Reynolds on Tuesday, supports up to 400 jobs and also provides local opportunities for apprenticeships.

Micael Johansson, Saab's president and CEO, said the base is "more than a manufacturing site" for the company.

Jonathan Reynolds, wearing a dark blue suit jacket, white shirt and maroon tie, stood in front of a military vehicle in a factory.
Mr Reynolds has been the business secretary since the summer

Workers in Hampshire are working on the company's 3D multi-mission radar, Giraffe 1X, and the all-electric subsea remotely operated vehicle, Seaeye SR20.

"This new campus is testament to Saab's growth in the UK, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the UK's defence," Mr Johansson added.

"Thanks to our investment here we will deliver innovative technologies and products for our customers."

Mr Reynolds told the BBC: "We should be very proud not only that we have some of this equipment in the field already but also that we have the innovation, the skills, workforce and technology to be developing this within the UK with a world-class company like Saab."

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