Jobs boost as BAE Systems opens new artillery facility in Sheffield

A new £25m artillery facility in Sheffield was opened by BAE Systems in early June, creating more than 200 jobs and bringing gun barrel manufacturing back to the UK.

The factory, which was formally opened by Defence Secretary, John Healey, will become fully operational later this year and could support a further 60 businesses across the UK supply chain.

The new 94,000 square foot facility will become the UK’s production hub for M777 lightweight howitzers and is a core component of the government’s intention to revitalise artillery manufacturing and improve sovereign capability.

At the opening, John Healey, 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.”

William Dooley, Prospect Negotiations Officer, who was also present at the opening of the facility said, “We have a significant number of members at BAE Systems, so it’s always positive to see jobs being created and the strengthening of British defence manufacturing capabilities. It is real evidence of the defence industry bringing investment and opportunities to local communities across the UK.”

More information on the BAE Systems website.