Former Royal Marine and tech business owner, David Reed, MP for Exmouth & Exeter East, visited the head office of defence manufacturer Supacat this week.
The visit focused on the critical role of regional industry in UK defence, following the government’s Strategic Defence Review and ahead of the detailed Defence Investment Plan expected this autumn.
Mr. Reed toured the Dunkeswell design and manufacturing centre, home to Supacat and its parent organisation, SC Group. The visit included a detailed look at the company’s advanced production facilities, where the Jackal 3 chassis for the British Army is currently being built. This highly versatile, cross-country mobility vehicle is recognised for its exceptional performance in harsh environments and is used by several special forces and armies worldwide, including through a recent export order to the Czech Republic.
The tour highlighted the company’s dual role in supporting both national defence and critical civil infrastructure projects. Reed also visited Supacat’s Exeter-based sister company, Blackhill Engineering Services, which provides specialist steelwork being manufactured for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and supporting Supacat in the manufacturing of Jackal 3 chassis.
The visit follows the government’s Strategic Defence Review 2025, which places a new priority on strengthening the UK’s defence-industrial supply chains and sets out an ambition for increased defence spending under the newly published Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS). The industry now awaits the detailed implementation documents and procurement programmes that will convert the SDR’s high-level strategy into funded contracts, including the new Defence Investment Plan due to be launched in Autumn 2025 to replace the outdated Equipment Plan and align investment with strategic capability needs.
Discussions focused on how government and industry can collaborate to ensure the region is well-represented in future procurement decisions and aimed to strengthen advocacy for continued investment in Devon’s skilled workforce and innovative engineering capabilities.
David Reed, MP for Exmouth & Exeter East, said: “It was a real pleasure to visit Supacat at Dunkeswell and Blackhill Engineering to see first-hand the innovation and engineering excellence taking place here in our constituency. These businesses are not only vital to the UK’s defence capability but also key employers providing high-quality jobs and apprenticeships for local people.
“It was great to meet so many of the talented staff and hear about the skills, dedication and pride that goes into their work. Supacat and Blackhill Engineering are excellent examples of how local industry strengthens both our economy and national resilience. I look forward to working with them and helping to raise the profile of this outstanding local business in Parliament and beyond.”
Nick Ames, Chief Exec of SC Group, said: “We were pleased to host Mr. Reed and demonstrate our team’s capabilities and commitment to the region and to UK defence manufacturing more widely. Continued collaboration between industry and government is vital to building a sovereign supply chain that delivers for our armed forces and creates long-term skilled jobs here in Devon.”
Blackhill and Supacat are key employers in the region, providing apprenticeships and skilled job opportunities for over 200 people. The company’s work supports national objectives for a stronger, more resilient UK manufacturing base.
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