Sheffield Forgemasters, a prominent player in the UK’s defence manufacturing sector, is gearing up for significant changes with the appointment of Gary Nutter as its new CEO. Nutter, set to assume the role in March, brings a wealth of experience in global business leadership, having served as CEO and Director of aerospace engineering group RLC Aerospace Ltd. His tenure follows the accomplished leadership of David Bond, who guided the company through acquisition by the Ministry of Defence in 2021 and initiated a substantial recapitalisation program.
David Bond, at the helm since 2018, played a pivotal role in overseeing Sheffield Forgemasters’ transition from employee ownership to government ownership. He led the company through a phase of strategic transformation, laying the groundwork for its increasing defence output and the launch of a comprehensive recapitalisation initiative.
Sir Tim Fraser, Chair at Sheffield Forgemasters, expressed confidence in Gary Nutter’s appointment, emphasizing the unprecedented changes taking place in the company’s history. Nutter will join an accomplished Board of Directors to oversee the ongoing recapitalisation program, which involves preparing the site for new, large-scale manufacturing facilities.
As part of the expansion plans, Sheffield Forgemasters is contemplating a new 25,000 sq m machining facility at its Brightside Lane site. This facility, in conjunction with a 13,000-tonne forging press, will cater to the growing demand for the company’s UK defence production.
Sir Tim highlighted Nutter’s impressive track record in top-level management and global business operations, citing the importance of his expertise in meeting the company’s defence and commercial market demands. Gary Nutter, with experience spanning automotive, aerospace, and marine industries, is expected to play a crucial role in steering Sheffield Forgemasters through its next phase of growth.