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Plans unveiled to build new factory for veterans

Webb Gray A CGI image of what the new Royal British Legion Industries factory and head office would look like once complete. The two-storey open-plan building has blue and red poles running top to bottom. The plans include disabled parking and some grass and trees. Webb Gray
The proposed new Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) factory and head office

Plans have been unveiled to build a new factory where disabled veterans would work building signs for the road and rail industry.

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) owns the existing 1970's building in Aylesford where former service people are employed by Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC).

The site, which is part of the charity's village and runs as a social enterprise, is said to have asbestos in the roof and a malfunctioning heating system.

RBLI has already secured £6m of the £12.5m needed for the new building, with CEO Lisa Farmer OBE determined to give the veterans a facility where they "can feel calm and relaxed".

Jo Burn/BBC The Royal British Legion Industries building where veterans currently work. An employee can be seen touching a road sign, behind which is a number of other signs - including a stop sign for a school, and a stop sign when lights show.Jo Burn/BBC
Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company employs veterans to manufacture signs for the road and rail industry

The proposal, which does not yet have planning permission, would allow the RBLI to tender for larger contracts and employ up to 80 additional staff.

If passed it is hoped that the new factory could be functional by the summer of 2027.

"We want a building which will enable us to be as competitive as we can on price," Ms Farmer added.

Tirthraj Thapa, who served with First Royal Gurkha Rifles in Afghanistan before being forced to retire through injury, said he was "proud to be working here".

Jo Burn/BBC Veteran Tirthraj Thapa, who served with First Royal Gurkha Rifles, Folkestone in Afghanistan, pictured in the RBLI factory. He is wearing a high-viz jacket and navy hoodie. Jo Burn/BBC
Veteran Tirthraj Thapa served with First Royal Gurkha Rifles, Folkestone in Afghanistan

David Church, operations manager for BBMC, believes the veterans deserve a suitable working environment.

"A lot of our veterans have various conditions - either mental health or physical challenges," he said.

"After what they have done and served the country, a state-of-the-art facility is the least we can do for them."

The project team will be in the Capel Morris Centre in the BRLI village on 21 January between 14:00 - 19:00 GMT to meet with members of the public.

Jo Burn/BBC A picture of RBLI Factory Operations Manager David Church in the current facility. David is wearing a navy hoodie and a high-viz vest. Jo Burn/BBC
RBLI Factory Operations Manager David Church says veterans deserve a new facility

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