BAE Systems is establishing a new artillery development and production facility in Sheffield that will create 50 high-skilled jobs. This new 94,000ft
2 facility is being funded with investments of more than £25 million and will house a ‘state of the art’ factory specialising in artillery expertise that will deliver the company’s M777 lightweight towed howitzer manufacturing capability and support the UK Government’s ambitions to sustain and revitalise vital artillery capabilities.
John Borton, managing director of BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK business, said: “Our aim is to deliver long-term artillery capabilities for the UK, which will safeguard, sustain and grow a critical, specialised British industrial capability as well as provide important opportunities for exports. As we continue to grow our business to meet our customers’ evolving requirements, this significant investment will help us develop a highly-skilled and adaptable workforce as an important part of the national defence infrastructure.”
Clive Betts, Sheffield South East MP, said: “Sheffield is well-known for its strong history of world-class engineering and advanced manufacturing and BAE Systems’ investment in a new artillery facility and highly-skilled jobs will ensure the city continues to play a key role in delivering both economic prosperity and national security.”
BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK designs, develops, manufactures and supports artillery systems and naval guns, and provides engineering operations. A £300 million transformation of shipbuilding facilities is underway in Glasgow, more than £200 million is being spent on upgrading the UK munitions business to meet increased demand and £220 million is being invested in a new factory in Rochester, Kent (read the article in Machinery Market
here).