Global defence manufacturer NP Aerospace has officially opened a major new site in Coventry, marking a significant expansion of its operations and reinforcing the UK’s role in the global defence supply chain.
Located on a 5.73-acre site, the 80,000 sq ft facility will serve as a central hub for vehicle integration, armour production, and advanced engineering services. The expansive site also features dedicated outdoor space designed to accommodate full military vehicle fleets, further enhancing NP Aerospace’s ability to support major defence programmes.
The new facility includes dedicated areas for vehicle assembly, fabrication, customer support, spares management, machining, engineering development, and final finishing. It also incorporates infrastructure for handling specialist equipment and generating sustainable energy, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
Situated near NP Aerospace’s longstanding armour production site in Foleshill, where the company was originally founded as part of the Courtaulds Group nearly a century ago, the new facility deepens the company’s historic roots in Coventry, while propelling its global ambitions.
James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, emphasised the strategic importance of the expansion:
“This investment represents a major step forward for NP Aerospace, strengthening the foundations for our continued growth. As a key defence employer in the West Midlands, we remain committed to developing our people, advancing skills and know-how, and expanding our engineering capabilities, delivering lasting benefits to both the region and the wider UK economy.”
The new site will significantly boost NP Aerospace’s capacity for UK-based assembly and integration of full or partial defence systems, including military vehicles and armour. This capability will support ongoing contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), such as the Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support (PMETS) and Conventional Vehicle Support Services Programme (CVSSP).
Kempston added that the facility will also serve as a global hub for export programmes, following recent acquisitions and contract novations that strengthened the company’s international portfolio.
The site was officially opened by Mary Creagh, MP for Coventry East, who praised the facility as a symbol of UK manufacturing excellence and economic resilience.
“It was a great pleasure to open NP Aerospace’s latest UK defence facility here in the heart of Coventry. The Prime Minister recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to unlocking economic growth, and that starts with well-paid skilled jobs, access to global markets, and homegrown innovation,” said Creagh.
“NP Aerospace is a company with deep roots in this city and an outstanding reputation in defence both nationally and internationally. This new site not only enhances their export capabilities but also strengthens the UK’s supply chain and industrial footprint.”
NP Aerospace’s expansion comes at a pivotal time for the global defence industry, with rising demand for integrated vehicle systems, advanced protective solutions, and scalable engineering services. The Coventry facility is designed to meet those needs, combining legacy expertise with cutting-edge infrastructure to position the company for sustained growth.
As the UK government continues to emphasise onshore defence capabilities and high-value manufacturing, NP Aerospace’s new investment stands as a testament to what’s possible when regional industry, global ambition, and public sector support converge.