Jaguar Land Rover reveals plans to create 300 new jobs at its Solihull facility

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is embarking on a significant expansion in the West Midlands, revealing plans to bring aboard 300 new technicians and test engineers.

This strategic recruitment drive serves a dual purpose: firstly, to bolster the ongoing expansion of Range Rover production and secondly, to propel the development of forthcoming next-generation electric models.

Among these 300 positions, approximately 100 maintenance technicians are being sought for deployment at JLR’s Solihull facility. These experts will play a pivotal role in operating and maintaining cutting-edge, highly automated production equipment situated in a state-of-the-art body shop that comes with a substantial investment of around £130 million. This new facility is poised to facilitate a 30% surge in Range Rover and Range Rover Sport production in the coming quarters.

But that’s not all. The selected technicians will also receive specialized training to work on an additional production system worth roughly £70 million. This system will be dedicated to producing the much-anticipated new electric Range Rover, which is set to be a flagship addition to JLR’s lineup.

On a parallel front, JLR is on the lookout for about 200 skilled technicians and test engineers. These professionals will find their home base at the Gaydon Engineering Centre and the Whitley Powertrain facility. Their core mission will revolve around testing and advancing JLR’s next generation of electric vehicles. These endeavours collectively contribute to JLR’s global workforce, which comprises over 38,000 skilled individuals.

Every single one of these technicians and test engineers will undergo comprehensive training in electrification, as part of JLR’s forward-looking skills initiative. This initiative is designed to ensure that these team members are armed with the essential competencies needed for the efficient production and maintenance of electric vehicles.

Executive director of industrial operations Barbara Bergmeier said: ‘’Solihull and Gaydon are at the heart of our global operations and these roles are an opportunity for talented individuals to be part of our transformation to electrification. I am extremely excited to welcome a new cohort of individuals to develop their skills and join our family of proud creators of some of the most desirable modern luxury vehicles.’’

JLR has committed a substantial investment of £15 billion spanning five years, strategically allocated towards enhancing JLR’s industrial infrastructure, vehicle initiatives, advancements in autonomous capabilities, AI integration, digital technologies, and the development of human expertise.

Part of this transformative endeavour encompasses the conversion of its manufacturing hubs in Solihull, Wolverhampton, and Halewood into centres for crafting electric vehicles.

The imminent horizons hold the introduction of electrifying innovations. The forthcoming addition is the new Range Rover BEV, scheduled to unveil its pre-order availability later in the current year. This is the precursor to a trilogy of reinvented luxury electric Jaguars. The inaugural model in this trilogy will be a sophisticated 4-door GT, proudly crafted in Solihull, United Kingdom.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands commented: “It’s great news that JLR are doubling down on their commitment to our region with this new announcement supporting the Range Rover and the future of Electric Vehicles. The West Midlands is blessed with an exceptionally talented workforce and so I’m so pleased this has been recognised by JLR as they continue to broaden employment opportunities for local people here.

“The investment JLR is making will boost skills, prosperity, and opportunity for even more families in the months and years ahead.”