Jaguar Land Rover to Resume Production After Cyber-Attack, Launches Supplier Support Scheme

Published: 07 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced that it will begin a phased restart of its manufacturing operations on Wednesday, more than a month after the British automotive giant was forced to halt production due to a severe cyber-attack. The announcement comes as the company has been working tirelessly to restore its systems and stabilize operations, following the disruption that affected its factories and retail networks across the globe.

The cyber-attack, which took place on the last day of August, forced the company to suspend work at key sites, including its iconic vehicle assembly plants in the United Kingdom and Slovakia. The shutdown had a ripple effect, disrupting supply chains, delaying deliveries, and creating significant operational and financial challenges for both JLR and its network of global suppliers. In response, the company has been implementing emergency measures to ensure the continuity of production, protect staff, and restore customer confidence.

To ease the strain on suppliers during the phased restart, JLR has unveiled a new financing scheme aimed at providing upfront cash to qualifying suppliers. The initiative is designed to accelerate payments, ensuring that suppliers receive funds much faster than the usual 60-day cycle. Initially, the scheme will focus on production suppliers critical to the restart process, with plans to extend the support to non-production suppliers in the coming weeks. The move is part of a broader effort by JLR to stabilize its supply chain, maintain strong relationships with partners, and support the wider automotive ecosystem, which has been under pressure due to the cyber-attack and ongoing global supply chain challenges.

The phased restart will begin at JLR’s key sites across the West Midlands, including the engine-making factory in Wolverhampton and the battery assembly centre in Hams Hall near Birmingham. The company has confirmed that work will also resume at its stamping operations in Castle Bromwich, Halewood, and Solihull, as well as at other critical areas of the Solihull vehicle production plant, such as the body shop, paint shop, and logistics centre. The logistics centre is particularly significant, as it coordinates the supply of parts to JLR’s global manufacturing sites, meaning that its reopening will be essential for resuming normal production schedules worldwide.

Vehicle manufacturing at the company’s plant in Nitra, Slovakia, is expected to resume shortly after the restart in the UK. In addition, production lines for the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models at Solihull will also recommence this week. An update on the operational status of the Halewood plant on Merseyside, which produces key Land Rover and Jaguar components, is expected in the coming days. The timing of the phased restart reflects JLR’s careful approach to resuming operations, balancing the need to restore production with ensuring that all systems are secure and fully operational before returning to full capacity.

The Guardian previously reported that some staff had already returned to the Wolverhampton site on Monday, signaling the initial stages of recovery. This was followed by plans for Solihull and Nitra, confirming that production activities would resume in a controlled and phased manner. Adrian Mardell, the chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover, described the restart as an “important moment” for the company, highlighting the scale of the recovery effort and the progress made in overcoming the cyber-attack’s impact. “We know there is much more to do, but our recovery is firmly under way,” Mardell said, emphasizing that the company remains committed to restoring full operational capacity as quickly and safely as possible.

In addition to restoring production, JLR has been working to re-establish automated supplier payment systems, which had been disrupted by the cyber-attack. Since the incident, the company had relied on a manual system to settle outstanding invoices, which caused delays and created additional administrative burdens. The new short-term financing arrangement will see suppliers receive a significant portion of payments upfront at the point of order, with the remaining balance paid upon receipt of an invoice. This process will dramatically reduce the time suppliers wait for payments, potentially accelerating cash flow by up to 120 days compared with the standard 60-day cycle.

Mardell stressed the importance of the supplier support initiative, noting that suppliers are central to JLR’s success. “From tomorrow, we will welcome back our colleagues at our engine production plant in Wolverhampton, shortly followed by our colleagues making our world-class cars at Nitra and Solihull,” he said. “Our suppliers are central to our success, and today we are launching a new financing arrangement that will enable us to pay our suppliers early, using the strength of our balance sheet to support their cashflows.”

The phased restart is being carried out amid heightened concerns over cybersecurity in the automotive sector, with manufacturers increasingly exposed to cyber-attacks due to the growing complexity of connected vehicles, digital supply chains, and online retail operations. JLR’s proactive approach in addressing the cyber-attack has included a comprehensive review of its IT infrastructure, deployment of enhanced security protocols, and close coordination with cybersecurity experts to prevent future incidents. This includes strengthening internal monitoring systems, introducing multi-layered defenses against ransomware and phishing attacks, and conducting rigorous staff training to reinforce cybersecurity awareness across the organization.

The company has faced significant challenges over the past month, not only in restoring production but also in managing the impact on its retail operations. Showrooms and dealerships around the world were temporarily closed or operated at reduced capacity while systems were restored. Customers who had placed orders experienced delays, prompting JLR to communicate transparently with buyers and offer reassurances regarding delivery schedules. The phased restart and supplier support scheme are critical steps toward returning to normal operations and rebuilding confidence among customers and business partners alike.

Industry analysts have described JLR’s response as measured and strategic. The phased restart allows the company to carefully monitor production processes, assess any lingering risks, and ensure that supply chains are functioning efficiently before ramping up to full-scale operations. By prioritizing engine and battery production, the company is securing the most essential components required to sustain vehicle assembly across multiple plants. Analysts note that this cautious approach reduces the likelihood of further disruptions and demonstrates JLR’s commitment to long-term operational resilience.

The cyber-attack also highlights broader risks faced by global automakers in an era of increasing digitization. Companies that rely heavily on interconnected IT systems, just-in-time supply chains, and online retail platforms are vulnerable to disruption, which can have significant financial and reputational consequences. In this context, JLR’s efforts to restore production while providing financial support to suppliers are seen as a model for industry peers, demonstrating how manufacturers can mitigate the impact of cyber incidents while maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders.

As the phased restart progresses, JLR will continue to prioritize employee safety, ensuring that all sites comply with public health guidance and operational protocols. The company has confirmed that additional updates on production schedules and site-specific operations will be communicated to staff and stakeholders as the restart unfolds. By taking a measured and transparent approach, JLR aims to restore full production, safeguard its workforce, and maintain the high standards of quality and craftsmanship for which its vehicles are known worldwide.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in JLR’s recovery from one of the most challenging periods in its recent history. While the cyber-attack caused major disruption, the company’s proactive response, comprehensive recovery plan, and commitment to supporting its suppliers have laid the groundwork for a successful restart. With production resuming in phases across key sites, JLR is now poised to regain momentum and continue delivering high-quality vehicles to customers globally.

In conclusion, Jaguar Land Rover’s phased production restart and new supplier support scheme represent a carefully planned response to an unprecedented cyber-attack. By prioritising operational security, supporting its supply chain, and gradually resuming manufacturing activities, the company is taking significant steps to restore stability, confidence, and resilience. Employees, suppliers, and customers alike can look forward to a gradual return to normal operations, with the company committed to maintaining its reputation for excellence in the automotive industry while navigating the challenges of an increasingly digital and interconnected world.