Sheffield Forgemasters' New Machine Shop Topping Out Marks £1.3bn Upgrade

Sheffield Forgemasters held a topping‑out ceremony as the final steel roof beam was installed on its new 30,000 m² machine shop. Long‑serving machinist Paul Haxton and first‑year apprentice Joe Garrett tightened the ceremonial golden bolt, while company COO Gareth Barker highlighted the milestone and the shop’s role in improving accuracy and innovation.

The facility, built alongside a 13,000‑tonne forging line, is part of a £1.3 billion recapitalisation programme funded by its Ministry of Defence owners. Construction partners include McLaughlin & Harvey, Arup, Bond Bryan Architects, JLL and Turner & Townsend. The machine shop is slated to become operational by the end of 2028, offering a cleaner, faster workplace and strengthening Sheffield Forgemasters’ competitiveness worldwide.