‘Factory of the future’ could revive Eastriggs’ fortunes

EASTRIGGS Depot is one of 13 sites across the UK earmarked for a possible new munitions and energetics factory.

The UK Government have revealed their shortlist of locations for the production of munitions and military explosives to boost the UK’s war-fighting readiness.

And they are being described as ‘factories of the future’.

Speaking at Westminster on Wednesday, Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This is a new era of threat, but the opportunity of this new era is a defence dividend from our record investment, measured in good jobs, thriving businesses, new skills for the British people.

“We are making defence an engine for growth, unambiguously backing British jobs and British skills as we make the UK better ready to fight and better able to deter future conflicts. This is the path that delivers national and economic security.”

In addition, he said the Government is committed to building at least six new munitions and energetics factories this parliament and creating at least 1000 new jobs and driving defence as an engine for growth in every region and nation.

Mr Healey has now invited industry to submit proposals to meet the government’s requirements for energetics production, with an expectation that construction on the first ones could begin in the next year.

Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell revealed he has been working behind the scenes to ensure Eastriggs made the shortlist.

He said: “It’s a huge opportunity for the area and very symbolic as that’s the heritage of that site.

“The thing that gives it a lead is we know the MoD owns the site.”

He pointed out that it’s a huge area, already partly occupied by Rail Sidings but with plenty of room for further development and a separate access, as well as being away from residential areas.

“It’s a really positive thing if it can be pulled off,” added the MP.