Work is under way on a new BAE Systems artillery development and production facility in Sheffield that will create 50 high-skilled jobs.

BAE Systems is on an investment drive. Last month, the firm announced it was investing £220m to significantly upgrade its UK aerospace technologies factory in Rochester. The company also recently invested £300m to upgrade its Glasgow-based shipbuilding facilities and £200m to upgrade its UK munitions business.

It has now announced its latest investment – £25m for a new 94,000 sq ft facility in Sheffield. This factory will specialise in artillery expertise that will deliver the company’s M777 lightweight towed howitzer manufacturing capability. This weapon is used by the ground forces of Canada, Australia, India and the US.

Construction on the facility is already under way and the aim is for it to be operational in 2025, creating 50 high-skilled jobs.

This latest investment is focused on BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK business, which designs, develops...