Rolls-Royce to double size of Raynesway site creating 1,200 jobs

Rolls-Royce is planning to almost double the size of its Raynesway site in Derby, creating nearly 1,200 new jobs.

Rolls-Royce Submarines has said it needs to expand the site, which makes power plants for nuclear submarines, in order to meet the growth in demand from the Royal Navy – and as a result of the recent AUKUS announcement.

The Raynesway site currently employs more than 4,000 people. The expansion would create an additional 1,170 skilled roles.

The announcement comes as outline planning permission is submitted to Derby City Council covering over 100,000 square metres of new floorspace across the Raynesway estate.

Steve Carlier, president of Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “This is a truly exciting time for our business, with work secured that will see us support UK and Australian submarines well into the second half of this century.

“It will see thousands of jobs created across the UK supply chain, many of which here in Derby, and we’re proud to be playing our part in this international endeavour.”

Rolls-Royce Submarines designs, manufactures and provides in-service support to the pressurised water reactors that power every boat in the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

It is currently supporting the existing Astute and Dreadnought boat build programmes through the delivery of reactor plant and associated components.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Rolls-Royce Submarines would provide all the nuclear reactor plants that will power new attack submarines as part of the tri-lateral agreement between Australia, the UK and US – known as AUKUS.

Mr Carlier said: “For over 60 years we have provided the power to the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines and our expansion plans are the first step in helping Australia acquire their own nuclear propulsion attack submarine capability, while showcasing British innovation and expertise on the world stage.”

The increase in demand will see new manufacturing and office facilities being built on recently acquired land surrounding the existing Raynesway site – which will be funded by the Ministry of Defence.

The new roles will be created across a range of disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering.

To ensure a steady pipeline of future talent into the industry, last year Rolls-Royce, with investment from the MoD, opened a new Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby.

It will provide 200 apprenticeships each year for at least the next decade.

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “This is simply brilliant news for both Derby and the wider midlands region – a vote of confidence in the Rolls-Royce team and in Derby as the UK Capital for Innovation.

“I’m especially pleased to see its positive impact on training 2,000 new apprenticeships, a fantastic opportunity for the next generation.”