Henrob scores with F-Pace crossover Jaguar

More of Henrob’s self-piercing rivet technology will be used on the new aluminium-intensive Jaguar F-Pace crossover that JaguarLandRover (JLR) will add to its product portfolio.

Last year, the privately-owned UK Henrob was taken over by the Swedish multi-national Atlas Copco.

JLR is to create 1,300 new jobs as it continues to accelerate its industry-leading expertise in aluminium and lightweight technologies. And it will create a ‘factory within a factory’ at Solihull in the UK West Midlands.

Incorporating Europe’s largest aluminium body shop and final assembly hall, the new state-of-the-art facilities will bring the Jaguar brand to Solihull for the first time, and continues to showcase the company’s pioneering leadership in aluminium vehicle construction which dates back to 2003 with the introduction of the seventh generation Jaguar XJ.

As already reported here, Henrob has helped Jaguar pioneer self-piercing rivet (SPR) technology.

The news comes following confirmation that the UK’s largest manufacturing investor will add a further new Jaguar model to its product portfolio. The Jaguar performance crossover, set to go on sale in 2016, follows the Jaguar XE into the new facilities within the world-renowned Solihull plant.

Ian Callum, director of design, Jaguar, commented: “We received such an overwhelmingly positive response to the C-X17 concept car last year that we just had to make it a reality.

The F-Pace (or X761), aimed to rival the Porsche Macan and the BMW X4, will be powered by 2-litre gasoline and diesel Ingenium engines from the £355 million JLR engine plant at Wolverhampton. Also available will be the 3-litre V6 gasoline engine that powers the F-Type,

This latest announcement from the Detroit auto show will see JLR’s Solihull manufacturing plant continue to develop its world-class capability in aluminium vehicle construction for which the company is synonymous.

It also marks the start of an important year for the British manufacturer which will deliver 12 significant product actions in the next 12 months alone.

JLR chief executive officer Dr. Ralf Speth said: “Today’s announcements once again demonstrate our commitment to the UK and the advancement of a high-tech, high skilled, manufacturing-led economy.”  

“Jaguar Land Rover is committed to delivering more great products. It is that innovation and relentless quest for new technologies that sets our products apart. We want to offer customers greater choice, with even more exciting vehicles, crafted with that special British flair. We want to improve the quality of life for our customers and for our own employees, creating opportunities for more people to be part of the Jaguar Land Rover experience,” he added.

To support the introduction of its new aluminium and lightweight technologies JLR has already invested £1.5 billion.

As a result of the continued developments at Solihull, JLR is creating an additional 1,300 new jobs at the site. Applications for the new roles are now being accepted.

The expansion of the Solihull site is the outward expression of the continued drive to reinvigorate every aspect of the company.

Today, the Solihull plant builds world-renowned vehicles such as the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Land Rover Discovery and is home to the iconic Defender. Most recently, the site has welcomed the first Jaguar in its history, with the introduction of the new Jaguar XE, which begins production in the Spring.

JLR achieved record full year retail sales in 2014 of 462,678, double that of 2008. A 2014/15 fiscal year investment of £3.75 billion in product creation has seen the introduction of a host of new and exciting products and business expansion. The company’s headcount has increased to 32,000, 10,000 more than were employed four years ago.