Royal Ordnance
Company type | Private | |
---|---|---|
Industry | Parent BAE Systems | |
Royal Ordnance plc was formed on 2 January 1985 as a
. It owned some 16 factories; and employed about 19,000 staff.Royal Ordnance plc was bought by British Aerospace (BAe) in April 1987, which became BAE Systems in 1999. The name Royal Ordnance was retained for almost another twenty years; and the sites retained their former names, either as Royal Ordnance or later RO Defence sites. The Royal Ordnance name was dropped in 2004 and after having traded as Land Systems, the division is now known as Land UK.
History
Royal Ordnance Factories
The Royal Ordnance Factories (ROFs) can trace their history back to 1560 with the founding of the
In 1927 these three Royal Factories were transferred, within the
As part of its
Privatisation
On 2 January 1985, vesting day, the twelve ROFs that still remained open, plus the Waltham Abbey South site, RSAF Enfield and three agency factories, became a UK government-owned company: Royal Ordnance plc. Its headquarters was moved to ROF Chorley, Lancashire; with its registered office located in central London. The intention of the government at this stage was to privatise Royal Ordnance as soon as possible through a stock market flotation.
In mid-1985 a target date of July 1986 was set; however, by June 1986 the government announced that flotation would not be possible and that it intended to sell the company privately. The following problems were identified as barriers to a flotation:
- The future of ROF Leeds, notably the uncertain future due to over-capacity in UK main battle tank production.
- The future relationship between the MOD and the company.
- The financial position of the company.
- Liabilities regarding a contract with British Aerospace
The problems associated with ROF Leeds were solved when Royal Ordnance agreed the sale of the factory and
Bids for Royal Ordnance plc were invited in October 1986, resulting in six offers. These were eventually reduced to two; one from British Aerospace and one from
and the sale was completed on 22 April 1987.Rationalisation
At the time of the sale, RO Defence had 16 factories; and some 19,000 personnel were employed. Shortly after privatisation, it has closed and sold its sites at ROF Patricroft, RSAF Enfield and Waltham Abbey South.
In April 1992 BAe / RO Defence bought BMARC and Poudreries Réunies de Belgique (PRB) from the receivers of the failed Astra Holdings; and later Muiden Chemie. In 1991 RO Defence also bought the small arms ammunition interests of Heckler & Koch.
In 2000 the headquarters of Royal Ordnance was moved from RO Chorley to BAE Systems' Filton site, and manufacturing ceased at RO Bishopton.
Consolidation into BAE Systems
In 1999 BAE merged with
In 2004 BAE Systems acquired
See also
References
Notes
- ISBN 0-262-22033-4, page 173.
Bibliography
- Her Majesty's Stationery Office.