BAE Systems is set to open a new artillery production facility in Sheffield, backed by a substantial £25 million investment.
The development, spanning 94,000 sq ft, will bring 50 high-skilled jobs to the area, strengthening the UK’s homegrown artillery capabilities.
The Sheffield site will specialise in the production of the M777 lightweight towed howitzer. This move aligns with the UK government’s ambition to boost and maintain essential defence capabilities within the country.
John Borton, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK division, emphasised the significance of the investment: “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.”
Borton added that the investment would help build a highly-skilled and flexible workforce, supporting the UK’s defence infrastructure. Preparations for the site are underway, with plans to be fully operational by 2025.
Local MP Clive Betts welcomed the project, highlighting Sheffield’s engineering heritage: “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.”
The Sheffield site marks BAE Systems’ latest commitment to expanding its UK operations, say the company. This comes alongside a £300 million investment in shipbuilding facilities in Glasgow, over £200 million to upgrade the UK munitions business, and a £220 million project for a new factory in Rochester, Kent.