£25m BAE Systems artillery factory officially opened in Sheffield
The Defence Secretary has cut the ribbon at the new facility, which is designed to make artillery gun barrels
Last updated 13th Jun 2025
The Defence Secretary has officially cut the ribbon at a brand new factory producing components for artillery in Sheffield.
The BAE Systems facility will begin operations later in the year, producing artillery gun barrels and providing employment for 200 local people.
The facility also supports 60 businesses in the supply chain across the UK.
Defence Secretary and Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP 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, 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."
Once online, the site will initially produce barrels for the M777 howitzer, which has been used by the British Army since the late 1980s and has more recently been deployed by the Ukrainian armed forces against Russia.
BAE Systems has already been working with Forgemasters in Sheffield to help supply barrels to Ukraine.
BAE Systems Weapons Systems UK MD John Borton added:
"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."