Defence manufacturer gears up with new base

A defence manufacturer is ramping up production capacity as it targets a UK military vehicle contract.

North Defence has unveiled a new production facility in Elland to complement their existing site in Mytholmroyd, alongside continued expansion in the military light mobility vehicle market. 

The move comes as the British Army begins procurement to replace the Land Rover Defender with a modern alternative.

Originally founded in the Calder Valley, in West Yorkshire, the company has grown rapidly, securing global defence contracts and establishing a headquarters in Luxembourg to support European operations.

Its MkII light mobility vehicle has been developed using frontline feedback, including lessons from Ukraine, where the vehicles are currently in active service.

Production is now underway across both the UK and Luxembourg, with deliveries continuing into Europe.

Oliver North, founder and chief executive of North Defence, who is a former Royal Engineer, said: “We started the hunt for an additional production facility 12 months ago, to increase our capacity here in the UK, particularly with the upcoming British Army requirement on the horizon.

“Simply put, we are demonstrating that we are ready, as opposed to marketing the fact that we could be. 

“We're walking the talk in terms of genuine world-class LMV production.

“The new space is vast and will provide much-needed employment opportunities to the region.

“Since leaving the British Army in 2004, I’ve used the work ethic, integrity and discipline it taught me at the heart of how we operate, with the added modules of modern, sophisticated business and manufacturing acumen that I’ve learned since starting on my own in 2008.”

North Defence has also added firepower to its own team over the past year with senior hires from across the automotive and defence sectors, supporting its ongoing growth ambitions.

The business continues to manufacture and deliver vehicles globally each week, positioning itself to compete for future military contracts.

Chief technical officer Luke Homewood added: “As soon as I met Oliver and discussed the vision, I knew I'd found a company that matched my ambition and work ethic. 

“Every week, we take strides forward in production efficiency and technological evolution. 

“Ambition and desire to be the industry's best is present in every layer of the company.

“Our new UK home in Elland will act as the perfect stage for the British market, and whilst we increase in-country capacity in the UK, our Luxembourg team continues our charge in Europe with some of the most exciting projects from a tech perspective that I've been involved in throughout my career.”

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