Westwire Opens Major Swindon Defence Manufacturing Plant, Creating 80 Skilled Jobs
A significant expansion in Swindon's advanced manufacturing sector has been announced with the opening of a new plant by defence supplier Westwire Harnessing. The facility, which creates approximately 80 skilled positions, represents a substantial investment in the town's industrial capabilities.
Enhanced Manufacturing Capabilities for Critical Sectors
The newly inaugurated manufacturing plant specialises in producing sophisticated electrical harnesses and mission-critical systems for multiple high-technology sectors. These include military applications, aerospace engineering, and advanced transport systems. Westwire's products are integral components for military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), armoured vehicles, and even space satellites.
Established in 1987, Westwire has been a longstanding presence in Swindon. The company has constructed its new manufacturing facility directly opposite its existing premises at Headlands Grove. This strategic development expands the company's operational footprint dramatically from 10,000 square feet to more than 21,000 square feet.
Strategic Growth and Parent Company Support
This expansion positions Westwire to potentially double its production output over the coming three years, responding directly to increasing demand from the defence market. The company is owned by SASMOS HET Technologies, an India-headquartered corporation that acquired the Swindon-based manufacturer in 2021. This acquisition marked SASMOS's first investment outside its home country.
Westwire management reports that its parent company continues to provide strong support to the UK operation through advanced technology transfer and complementary capabilities. These include expertise in fibre optics, photonics, and sophisticated power management systems, enhancing Westwire's competitive edge.
Local Economic Impact and Political Response
Andy Russell, Managing Director of Westwire, commented on the opening: "Today marks an important milestone for Westwire. The opening of our new Swindon facility significantly enhances our manufacturing capability and underlines our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that support our armed forces. We are proud to create around 80 new skilled jobs in Swindon, providing opportunities for skilled talent in a sector that is vital to the local area."
Local MP Will Stone welcomed the development, stating: "Westwire is an important part of Swindon's industrial fabric. The creation of 80 high-quality jobs is fantastic news for our community and reflects the town's growing role in advanced manufacturing and the UK defence sector."
Swindon's Growing Defence and Technology Cluster
This announcement reinforces Swindon's emerging status as a hub for defence contractors and advanced technology firms. The trend has been gaining momentum with several notable recent investments:
- In November, German defence firm Stark officially opened a drone manufacturing factory in the town, creating 100 new positions.
- Tekever, recognised as one of Europe's leading drone manufacturing enterprises, established its own facility in north Swindon last September.
- Munin Dynamics, a drone defence technology company founded by a former Norwegian special forces paratrooper, has also recently established operations in Swindon.
- Drone business Flyby announced plans last year to set up operations within the town.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, previously described such investment decisions as a "huge endorsement" for the town's industrial prospects.
Historical Context and Strategic Advantages
MP Will Stone has highlighted Swindon's compelling advantages for defence and manufacturing firms. He told the BBC that Swindon's "very good strategic location", combined with its skilled workforce and competitively priced employment land, makes it an "easy sell" for companies in this sector.
This modern industrial growth builds upon Swindon's long and distinguished industrial history, which dates back to the 1800s. The town was transformed from a small Wiltshire market town into an industrial powerhouse during the 19th century, largely due to the Great Western Railway establishing one of the world's largest railway engineering complexes there. This legacy of engineering excellence continues to underpin its appeal to contemporary high-tech manufacturers.
