In 2017, Jim Ratcliffe, a car enthusiast and experienced adventurer, identified a gap in the market for a stripped back, utilitarian, hard-working 4×4 engineered for modern day compliance and reliability. Combining rugged British spirit with German engineering rigour, the Grenadier will be a truly uncompromising 4×4 built from the ground up to provide best-in-class off-road capability, durability and reliability to those who depend on a vehicle as a working tool, wherever they are in the world.
Great news for Wales
“The announcement is great news for Wales and I’m delighted INEOS Automotive will be setting up home in Bridgend which has a long history of skilled manufacturing expertise,” said Welsh government economy and transport minister, Ken Skates.
“The Welsh government has worked closely with the company to make this happen and I look forward to seeing the development of the new site progress ahead of the planned start of production in 2021.”
INEOS Automotive has confirmed that in parallel, it will be investing in a sub-assembly plant in Estarreja, Portugal. The facility will produce the Grenadier’s body and chassis, working in conjunction with INEOS’s European supply chain partners.
“Confirming production in the UK, as well as our investment in Portugal, is a major milestone for the project,” commented Dirk Heilmann, chief executive officer of INEOS Automotive.
“We are progressing well with the design and engineering work, as well as our marketing and distribution plans. In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing more information about the Grenadier, and engaging with local suppliers, the community and region, in advance of the start of production in 2021.”