Pearson Engineering secures £25 million British Army tank deal

An engineer has secured a £25 million contract to help produce the next generation of a fighting vehicle.

Pearson Engineering is making turrets for the British Army’s Challenger 3 tank.

Bosses say the agreement – described as a “multi-year project” – secures 285 jobs at Pearson’s Newcastle-based Armstrong Works, which will receive £4 million investment to bolster machining work.

They say it will also allow the business to recruit several staff across project management, engineering and design roles, as well as 20 apprentices under an expanded STEM programme.

Craig Priday, Pearson Engineering managing director, said: “This important contract, delivered together with our sister company Responsive Engineering, demonstrates our success in bringing armoured vehicle manufacturing back to the North East.

“It utilises the world-class capabilities of our team at Armstrong Works, and allows us to further invest in skills, jobs and the local economy.”

Brigadier Nick Cowey, Challenger 3 senior responsible owner, added: “I’m really excited at this key milestone in the programme being achieved on schedule.

“Turret fabrication is crucial for the delivery of a fully digitised turret, ensuring our modernised main battle tank is the most lethal in Europe.”