BAE plans £300m upgrade of submarine-building site

The announcement coincides with news that steel has been cut on the final Astute-class submarine

 
BAE Systems is to invest more than £300 million at its Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria site to "transform" its submarine building capabilities.

An eight-year upgrade programme is expected to start next month. It includes an extension to the Devonshire Dock Hall construction facility to include a new manufacturing and installation facility, two buildings that will house pressure hull units ready for shot blast and paint integration of submarine equipment modules, the refurbishment of the site's main fabrication facility and its plant and machinery, and plans to build a 28,000m² off-site logistics facility to store submarine parts and materials in the local area.

Tony Johns, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime - Submarines, said: "Redevelopment of the site is fundamental to the future of our business.

"The Successor programme, to replace the Vanguard-class submarines, remains subject to final approval in 2016, but it is vital we begin these improvements now in order to achieve the government's target of having the first submarine in service by 2028."

The announcement coincided with news that steel has been cut on the seventh and final Astute-class submarine.

BAE is leading the design of the Astute submarine, working with Rolls-Royce and Babcock on a programme that employs more than 3,000 people.