Turkish armored vehicle manufacturer Nurol Makina opens new facility in UK
Nurol Makina UK (NMS UK), a subsidiary of the Turkish armored vehicle manufacturer Nurol Makina, announced the official opening of its new production facility at Tachbrook Park, Leamington Spa on Tuesday.
The new facility, which was unveiled during the DVD2024 defense exhibition in Bedfordshire on Sept. 18-19, is set to strengthen the U.K.‘s defense supply chain and create up to 150 highly skilled jobs over the next three years.
Strengthening UK defense manufacturing
The new 7.9-acre site in Warwickshire will focus on producing protected patrol vehicles for the U.K. defense industry as well as for international markets. The facility will employ personnel across multiple roles, including engineering, factory management, training, and aftersales services.
The production facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024.
David Zevulun, U.K. country director at NMS UK, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment: “Our new home in Leamington Spa is key to our ambition to become an integral part of the British defense industry ecosystem, supporting a robust pipeline of UK-made armored vehicles.”
Economic impact on region
Local officials have praised the investment, with Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, welcoming the economic boost it will bring to the region. “This investment by NMS shows why our region continues to be the beating heart of UK advanced manufacturing and exporting. It will also mean 150 highly skilled jobs for local people,” Parker said.
Showcasing advanced armored vehicles
Nurol Makina showcased two of its flagship vehicles during the DVD2024 event: the Ejder Yalcin and the NMS-L.
- Ejder Yalcin: Weighing 18 tonnes, this vehicle can carry a crew of two plus seven troops. It is equipped with NATO STANAG Level 4a/2b protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), with a V-shaped hull and wall-mounted seats for additional shock protection.
- NMS-L: A lighter, heli-transportable version of the NMS 4×4, the NMS-L can carry a crew of five and provides NATO STANAG Level 3a/2b protection against mines and IEDs. It features impressive mobility, with a top road speed of 150 kilometers per hour, a 0.9-meter fording capability, and the ability to negotiate steep obstacles.