Aston Martin St Athan: Phase I construction now complete
Phase I of Aston Martin’s new manufacturing facility at St Athan in Wales is now complete. Work started on the site in late 2016 when Aston Martin was first given access to the former MOD site, phase I works included the creation of the customer and staff reception areas, administration and management offices and the employee restaurant. Phase II, which commenced in April 2017, will see the three super hangars redeveloped into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility
with Aston
Martin’s SUV due to start production in 2019. Te new plant brings employment opportunities to South Wales with up to 750 new roles being created, a series of recruitment events held in the region has attracted more than 3,000 applications. Te first technicians have already been recruited and are working on the DB11 at the marques Gaydon Headquarters, training for the highly-skilled roles they will take up at St Athan.
Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer Andy
Palmer
commented: “Te St Athan facility is really starting to take shape. With the completion of this first phase, it is another milestone on our journey in Wales, and an important part of Aston
Martin’s Second Century Plan. Work is also well underway on phase II, the rest of the Aston Martin team and I are excited for when St Athan joins our Gaydon and Newport Pagnell facilities as a centre of hand-craſted manufacturing excellence.” In February 2016, Aston Martin
announced that it had chosen St Athan from 20 potential global locations as its third manufacturing facility. Its Gaydon Headquarters were confirmed as the home of its sports cars, with historical Newport Pagnell becoming its second manufacturing facility with production returning to the site with the build of the track-only DB4 GT Continuation, Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “It is great to hear that work on phase I of Aston Martin’s facility in St Athan is now complete and that phase II is progressing well. Like many people in Wales, I am genuinely excited about Aston Martin beginning production here in Wales next year and the high number of quality direct and indirect jobs that it will bring with it. “Aston Martin’s decision to move to St Athan is a huge coup for Wales and it is a genuine testament to the can-do attitude of Welsh Government, and to the reputation, dedication and skills of our work force.”
PUT SAFETY FIRST ON MOTORWAY JOURNEYS says GEM ROAD SAFETY and breakdown cover specialist GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to put safety first on motorway journeys. Te news comes as Highways England pledges to install additional emergency refuge areas at smart motorway locations where drivers are most likely to stop in live lanes. GEM road safety officer Neil Worth offered some reassurance for drivers: “Motorways may be the fastest roads we use, but they are statistically also the safest; and there are fewer collisions on motorways than on other roads,” he said. “However, the high speeds used on motorways mean that when there is a crash, it is likely to be more serious. Tat’s why on average around one in 50 motorway collisions is fatal, compared with one in 70 on all other roads. “We are also advising drivers to ensure they know the rules and signs relating to Smart motorways, which are becoming more commonplace. “It is regrettable that in spite of the spread of smart motorways, there is still no specific advice contained in the Highway Code. We think this is unacceptable, bearing in mind that so many motorists are being penalised every day for being at the wrong speed or in a closed lane.” Understanding how a smart motorway works, and knowing what to do if you are unfortunate enough to experience a breakdown in a stretch of smart motorway, could well prove a lifesaver.” Neil Worth outlines when the risks are greatest on motorways: “A serious danger is when there is insufficient time and space between vehicles travelling at high speed. As well as this, distracted drivers – using a mobile phone or device, re-setting the satnav or attempting to eat and drink at the wheel – pose a risk to themselves and those around them. “Poor lane discipline brings risks – for example,
driving in the middle lane when the leſt hand lane is empty, or changing lanes without proper observations or signalling. Tis also applies around junctions when drivers are leaving or joining the motorway. Too oſten drivers make last-minute decisions, either deliberately or unintentionally, and end up cutting across lanes of traffic to get off the motorway or into the correct lane if the carriageway is about to split. “Busy urban stretches of motorway are particularly risky, as there are oſten several junctions and intersections across short distances. “It’s also important to remember that there are risks when traffic is light. In these situations there is little or nothing to engage the attention of a driver on a long journey. As a result, alertness can drop and concentration can dip, making it easy to miss a developing hazard. Neil Worth added: “By acknowledging these risks, you are taking a big step toward making a motorway journey safer.” GEM has compiled 10 tips for safer motorway driving: 1. Plan your journey so you know when to join and leave the motorway. You’re far less likely to be taken by surprise when it comes to choosing the correct lane at junctions and intersections.
14 - Friday 23rd February 2018 - Cardiff & South Wales Advertiser
2. Choose a safe speed and use the leſt hand lane of the motorway unless you are overtaking. 3. Check your following distance by the ‘two second rule’. Watch the vehicle in front go past a signpost, under a bridge or past some other reference point. Ten speak out: “Only a fool breaks the two second rule.” If you pass the same point before you have finished the sentence, then you are too close. 4. Double your following distance in wet weather. 5. Scan the road a long way ahead so that you have early sight of developing hazards. 6. Make regular mirror checks. If you observe a fast- approaching vehicle, then take steps to move out of its way. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and blind spots, and indicate your intention to move either leſt or right. Only commence the manoeuvre when you know you can complete it safely. 7. Avoid any sort of distraction. No mobile device, no interfering with stereo or satnav, no eating or drinking. Give 100% of your attention to driving. 8. If you are about to miss your motorway exit, don’t make last-minute risky manoeuvres to leave the motorway. Continue to the next junction and turn around, or follow the revised satnav instructions. 9. Familiarise yourself with the rules and signs that apply to smart motorways, so that you stay safe and avoid a ticket for speeding or using a closed lane. 10. Knowing what to do if you break down in a stretch of smart motorway is a big help for road safety. Ten you will know what to do if you experience a breakdown yourself, and will also understand what’s happening if another vehicle breaks down. GEM’s recently revised ‘Motorist’s Breakdown and Emergency Guide’ leaflet now includes details of what to do on a smart motorway in an emergency. Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.
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