Defence firm to open £25m artillery factory

The company said it aimed for the site to be operational in 2025

Britain's biggest defence firm, BAE Systems, has announced the creation of 50 new jobs as part of a £25m investment in Sheffield.

The company said it would open a new 94,000 sq ft (8,732 sq m)artillery development and production facility in the city in 2025.

It said the site would house a state-of-the-art factory which would specialise in artillery expertise.

John Borton, managing director of BAE Systems' Weapons Systems UK, said the investment was significant and would help develop a highly-skilled workforce.

He 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."

Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East, said the investment would ensure the city continued to play a key role in delivering economic prosperity and national security.

According to BAE Systems, the Sheffield factory would deliver manufacturing capability for the company’s M777 lightweight towed howitzer, a weapon used by US, Canadian, Australian, and Indian forces.

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