Steelwork erection starts on major defence machine shop

Working on behalf of McLaughlin & Harvey, BHC has started installing the steelwork for Sheffield Forgemasters’ £210 million machine shop.

Located on a 16-acre brownfield site, adjacent to the company’s existing facilities, the 30,000m² building will house 24 new machines, including some of the world’s largest vertical turning lathes.

Sheffield Forgemasters Programme Director Craig Fisher, said: “The new machine shop main works contract is a major element within our recapitalisation programme and will create one of Europe’s most advanced defence machining facilities.”

McLaughlin & Harvey Managing Director Paul Griffen, added: “We are working collaboratively with Sheffield Forgemasters to deliver a facility of such national significance, which will not only help support UK industries for generations to come but also support the local economy in South Yorkshire.

“This contract showcases our talented workforce’s ability to manage large-scale, complex construction projects. It strengthens our growing reputation as a construction partner of choice for clients in the advanced manufacturing and defence sectors.”

Sheffield Forgemasters’ 13,000t forging line and machine shop will create a new generation of engineers and designers trained to support the UK’s defence manufacturing sector.