2 minute read - 10th December 2024
DB Defence to create 100 jobs following investment
David Brown Defence has secured a significant investment from its parent group, leading to the creation of 100 new jobs in 2024 and 2025. The investment is a recognition of the vital role DB Defence plays in supporting critical defence systems of national importance to our nation and allies. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The multi-million pound investment will enhance DB Defence’s overall capability and capacity at its state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facility in Huddersfield. It will help ensure vital contracts are completed on time and delivered to future schedules for many years to come. The gear systems for these complex military platforms take years to engineer, manufacture, assemble and test, and the investment will strengthen its ability to complete this work.
For more than 100 years, DB Defence has been integral to the development of bespoke land and marine gear systems for the defence industry. It is the original designer and manufacturer of gear systems for military vehicles such as the Challenger 2, Titan and Trojan, and CVR(T), and power transmission systems for maritime vessels such as the Type 26 Global Combat Ship.
David Brown Defence is to make a muli-million pound investment at its Huddersfield facility to increase capacity and create 100 new jobs / Picture DB Defence
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Continued investment in the defence industry is crucial to our national security and a significant contributor to the British economy. DB Defence currently employs more than 380 people at its Park Works facility in Huddersfield, which has been a notable employer in the region since 1860, when the David Brown business first opened its doors.
Mike Helme, managing director for DB Defence, said: “The investment comes at a time when defence is crucial to our national security. The capital will continue to strengthen our capabilities at the Park Works manufacturing facility to enable us to deliver on our land and marine programmes both now and into the future.”
DB Defence is part of David Brown Santasalo, a group of global companies engineering, manufacturing, and supporting industrial gearboxes for industries including paper, oil, gas, mining, minerals, marine and port operations, and rail. The business can trace its roots back to the 1860s, when it was founded as a pattern-making concern, specialising in gearwheel patterns for cast gears.
