A major investment in the UK defence sector is set to deliver a significant boost to employment in the North West, following confirmation of a new £200 million deal that will generate up to 700 skilled jobs at a key manufacturing facility in Bolton.
The agreement, announced by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with MBDA UK, will support the production of advanced guided weapons systems and strengthen the UK’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities. The move is being welcomed as a critical step in sustaining high-value engineering roles and supporting long-term regional growth.
Boost for Defence Manufacturing and the Local Economy
The £200 million investment will be channelled into MBDA’s Bolton site — a key part of the company’s UK operations — where a new phase of missile and weapons systems production will be scaled up. MBDA already employs hundreds of staff at the site, and the new funding will allow it to expand its headcount significantly over the next 18 months.
Defence Secretary John Healey said:
“This investment will help maintain the UK’s technological edge while creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs. Bolton and the wider North West have a proud history of excellence in defence manufacturing — and this deal strengthens that future.”
The jobs created will range from advanced engineering and design roles to production line specialists, quality assurance technicians and supply chain management positions.
Prioritising Local Talent and Skills Development
MBDA confirmed that its recruitment strategy will include partnerships with local colleges, apprenticeship schemes, and veterans’ resettlement programmes to ensure opportunities are opened up to a diverse cross-section of the local workforce.
Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK, said:
“This deal allows us to invest in people, in facilities, and in the future of our national defence capability. We’re proud to be expanding in Bolton, where we have strong ties to the community and access to outstanding talent.”
The firm also noted that its commitment to inclusive recruitment remains a priority, with new roles designed to attract both experienced professionals and early-career entrants, including women and underrepresented groups in the defence and engineering sectors.
A Strategic Move Amid Global Uncertainty
The announcement comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension and increased demand for sovereign defence manufacturing across Europe. The UK government has made clear that strengthening domestic supply chains and developing national industrial capability is essential to long-term defence resilience.
This latest deal adds to a string of recent procurement and investment commitments designed to maintain the UK’s role as a key NATO contributor and leader in high-tech defence.
Recruitment for the 700 new roles is expected to begin in early June 2025, with MBDA encouraging applications via its official careers portal and through local employment partnerships in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.