Rolls-Royce Opens Glasgow Office To Support Submarine Programme

Rolls-Royce — which will provide the power units for the Royal Navy's new nuclear subs being built under the trilateral AUKUS agreement — has opened a new office in Glasgow, Scotland, creating more than 100 new jobs.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle this week opened the new U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD)-funded premises, which will house 120 Rolls Royce employees working in cybersecurity and electrical engineering roles. 

As per a company press statement Rolls-Royce Submarines already employs more than 5,000 people involved in the design, construction and maintenance of the pressurised water reactors that power every Royal Navy submarine.

Last spring it was announced that the firm will also supply all the nuclear reactors that will power the new Dreadnought-class attack submarines as part of the tri-lateral agreement between Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. The new Glasgow office employees will support the Dreadnought programme as well as helping fulfill other Royal Navy requirements.

The Royal Navy plans to acquire 4 Dreadnought-class subs carrying Trident missiles at a combined projected cost of £31 billion to provide its future independent nuclear deterrent. The first vessel, HMS Dreadnought, is scheduled to enter service in the early 2030s. Three more boats are planned: the Valiant and Warspite, both also already under construction, and the King George VI. The new subs will have an intended service life of 35-40 years.

Steve Carlier, President, Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: "The work we do for the Royal Navy is of critical strategic importance and, to deliver it, we need to harness talent from across the U.K., not just from our base in Derby. The opening of our Glasgow office allows us to benefit from the region’s strong pedigree in electrical engineering and add to our own existing pool of nuclear experts.

"Powering and supporting the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear submarines is a national endeavour, so we’re really excited to open our office and secure new jobs in Glasgow, showing the far-reaching, positive impact of the whole submarines programme.”

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said: "The opening of the new Rolls-Royce office in Glasgow is a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

"This investment is delivered alongside an important industry partnership and will support high-skilled jobs and economic growth that will benefit our prosperity and security for decades to come.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: "The arrival of Rolls-Royce Submarines in Glasgow is a landmark day for the city-region and testament to the skills, expertise and innovation available through the workforce in this area.

The work being carried out here further bolsters Scotland's vital role in the UK’s defence. We are home to thousands of military personnel and major bases — including the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet at HMNB Clyde — which help to keep us all safe. But defence is also a key driver for economic growth in Scotland with MOD spending around £2 billion annually with industry here, directly supporting over 11,000 jobs."

• You can read more details on the Rolls-Royce website