UK Defence Secretary opens artillery factory in Sheffield
Image courtesy BAE Systems
The new 94,000 sq. ft facility, which will become operational by the end of the year, will house a state-of-the-art factory specialising in artillery expertise that will make Sheffield the home of UK howitzer production.
The facility will also create 200 new high skilled jobs and support more than 60 businesses across the UK supply chain.
John Healey MP, Defence Secretary, said: "This new factory is a big boost for South Yorkshire and a significant step forward in strengthening our British defence industrial base. This is a vote of confidence in our world-leading defence sector and good, skilled British jobs, underpinned by this government’s Plan for Change.
"I welcome BAE Systems’ long-term commitment to this new site, which demonstrates how defence can be an engine for growth, bringing investment and opportunities to communities across the UK, including right here in South Yorkshire.”
John Borton, Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK business, said: “Our significant investment adds to Sheffield’s rich manufacturing history and reputation as an industrial powerhouse and will develop a highly skilled workforce in the local area, while also forming an important part of the UK’s critical defence infrastructure.
“It’s fantastic to be able to welcome the Defence Secretary, as well as local partners and suppliers from across the city to get a first look at our progress and hear about the commitments we’re making in Sheffield, as part of delivering sovereign artillery capabilities.”
Once operational later this year the site will initially deliver the Company’s M777 lightweight towed howitzer manufacturing capability, with capacity to expand production lines. The site will then evolve to develop and produce a range of world-class combat systems, leading the charge for the UK Government’s ambitions to revitalise and sustain vital UK artillery capacity.
The Company welcomed guests from across Sheffield who enjoyed a tour of the site. As work to prepare the facility for production continues, visitors also had the chance to meet with apprentices who will be among the first to work on the new production lines.
BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK business is the country’s only design house for artillery where it also develops, manufactures and supports artillery systems and naval guns. This includes the M777 lightweight artillery, the only combat-proven lightweight howitzer in the world.
Earlier this year, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems a contract to deliver 150 British designed artillery barrels to Ukraine, working with Sheffield Forgemasters to deliver on the government’s commitment to supporting the country.
The Company has also been providing in-country maintenance and repair for 105mm Light Guns since last year and is working with local partners to extend support across additional artillery capabilities, which helps to ensure that critical equipment can be returned to the frontline more quickly.
The Sheffield site is the latest infrastructure investment that BAE Systems is making across its UK facilities. The Company is nearing completion of a £300 million transformation of its shipbuilding facilities in Glasgow and a £200 million expansion of its munitions facilities to meet increased demand. It is also investing £220m in a new advanced technology factory in Rochester.
