£300m investment for Barrow submarine site
Defence group BAE Systems is to invest more than £300m at its site in Barrow-in-Furness to transform its submarine building capabilities.
The eight-year programme, which will employ approximately 850 contractors at its peak, includes new facilities and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The plans form part of BAE's preparation to build new nuclear submarines to replace Trident.
Demolition of some existing buildings will start in April. The improvements at the Barrow yard, which employs around 6,000 staff, will include: an extension to the Devonshire Dock Hall construction facility; two new buildings that will house pressure hull units ready for shot blast and paint and the integration of submarine equipment; the refurbishment of the site's main fabrication facility; and an intention to build a 280,000 sq ft off-site logistics facility to store submarine parts and materials.
Tony Johns, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime – Submarines, said: "Redevelopment of the site is fundamental to the future of our business and will ensure we stay at the forefront of submarine design, build, test and commissioning.
"This investment will provide a modern, 21st century environment for our employees to apply the unique skills and expertise that have delivered complex submarines to the UK Royal Navy for over a century."
BAE Systems is leading on the design of the Successor submarine, working alongside the Ministry of Defence, Rolls Royce and Babcock.