BAE acquires GSK’s former Ulverston manufacturing facility
Having ceased operations earlier this year, the plant, which sits within a 96-acre site, has been snapped up by the defence company.
It is likely that the site, south of Ulverston, will be repurposed and used to support BAE Systems’ nuclear submarine manufacturing efforts in Barrow.
A BAE Systems spokesperson: “The site offers many redevelopment opportunities to support our customer and programme commitments and our growing workforce.
“Options for the site are currently being studied and we expect plans to be finalised next year.”
GSK was approached for comment.
GSK announced plans to close the Ulverston facility in 2021 having sold its antibiotics business to Swiss firm Sandoz.
The site shut down earlier this year having been operational since 1948.
Uncertainty around the site has been ongoing for several years. In 2017, GSK shelved plans to develop a £350m manufacturing plant on its Ulverston site and warned of its potential closure.
Plans for the 1.3m sq ft expansion at Ulverston were approved by South Lakeland Council in 2014.
Good move.
By Rye
Terrible for the beautiful town of ulverston. 😔
By Valerie mills
@October 22, 2025 at 11:23 am
By Valerie mills
There’s been an industrial site here since 1948. I think Westmoreland and Furness needs all the jobs it can get, especially high skilled ones like what BAE provides. The area can’t just survive on tourism alone.
By Rye