Defence firm to open £25m artillery factory

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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