Fact Check: BAE Systems officially opened a new £25 million artillery facility in Sheffield, England, on October 23, 2023, creating 200 skilled jobs.

Fact Check: BAE Systems Opens New £25 Million Artillery Facility in Sheffield

What We Know

On October 23, 2023, BAE Systems officially opened a new artillery facility in Sheffield, England, with an investment of £25 million. This facility is set to create 200 skilled jobs and will support over 60 businesses in the UK supply chain. The opening was marked by a visit from Defence Secretary John Healey, who emphasized the importance of this development for the local economy and the UK's defence capabilities (source-1, source-2).

The facility, which spans 94,000 square feet, will focus on the production of the M777 lightweight howitzer, a combat-proven artillery piece used by various armed forces, including those of the United States and Canada (source-3, source-4). This development is part of a broader strategy to enhance the UK's domestic manufacturing capabilities in the defence sector, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that BAE Systems opened a new £25 million artillery facility in Sheffield, creating 200 skilled jobs, is supported by multiple credible sources. The UK government's official announcement confirms the investment and job creation figures, highlighting the strategic importance of the facility in strengthening the UK's defence industrial base (source-1). The BBC also corroborates these details, noting that the facility aims to restore critical gun barrel manufacturing capabilities in the UK, which is essential for national security (source-2).

Additionally, BAE Systems' own communications reinforce the accuracy of these claims. The company outlines its commitment to the facility and the expected economic impact on the region (source-3). The sources utilized in this fact-check are reputable, including government announcements, established news outlets like the BBC, and direct statements from BAE Systems, all of which lend credibility to the information presented.

Conclusion

The claim that BAE Systems officially opened a new £25 million artillery facility in Sheffield on October 23, 2023, creating 200 skilled jobs is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms the investment amount, job creation, and the strategic importance of the facility for the UK's defence sector.

Sources

1. New artillery factory opens in Sheffield creating 200 skilled jobs
2. Multimillion-pound artillery factory opens in Sheffield - BBC
3. Defence Secretary opens BAE Systems artillery factory in Sheffield
4. Britain opens new artillery factory in England - UK Defence Journal
5. Multi-million pound investment in artillery production to create 50 jobs
6. BAE Systems opens artillery factory in Sheffield, restoring UK barrel production
7. BAE Systems Launches M777 Howitzer Plant in Sheffield
8. BAE Systems to open £25m artillery factory in Sheffield